Eleanor Ruth Highfill

Peachie was born in Glendale, California on June 19, 1943. After graduating from Millikan High School in 1961, she worked at Starkist Tuna.

In 1965, Peachie met John Patrick “Pat” Highfill. At Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church in Long Beach, California, they married on April 30, 1966. They went on to have two children, Bridget Highfill and James Highfill.

While raising Bridget and James, Peachie attended and graduated from trade school. She worked hard to pass the state exam to achieve the distinction of becoming an Official Court Reporter in 1975. She worked at the Riverside Superior Court for twenty-three years. During this time, she also ran a successful transcription business.

Peachie retired in 1998. After buying a motorhome with Pat, they travelled throughout the United States for five years. Following Pat’s death in 2003, Peachie moved to Orange, California. Filling her home with fine collectables and carefully chosen furniture, Peachie also adopted Shelly, an exceptionally active, loving, and beautiful pug who had won her heart.

Peachie kept a busy social schedule, participating in mahjong and card groups and joining Orange County Welcome Wagon functions. She particularly loved participating in fine dining experiences, and she always looked forward to events with the Academy of Culinary Professionals. One of her favorite activities during this period was taking annual trips to Avila Beach, California with a notorious party crew known as the “Winas.” In these years, she supported many charities. She also travelled extensively, visiting twenty-seven countries, including China, Egypt, and Croatia.

Peachie was predeceased by her husband Pat, her mother Hazel Droll, her father Leo Droll, her brother Ronald Droll, and her daughter-in-law Michelle Engler.

Peachie is survived by her daughter Bridget and her son-in-law Douglas Bell, her son James and his fiancé Mareike Schadach, her niece Kathy Droll and her niece’s spouse Patricia May. She is also survived by her nieces Rosie Droll-Gallegos Desrosiers and Carol Droll.

As a loving mother, dedicated professional, adventurous traveler, and convivial dinner companion, Peachie will be truly missed. The memories of her love, generosity and accomplishments will continue to inspire us.

Services for Peachie will be held on Monday, December 19 at 10:00 am at:

San Antonio de Padua Church, 5800 Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim, Ca. 92807

After mass, the burial will be at:

Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, 7845 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, Ca. 92869

A reception will be held at Peachie’s home after the ceremonies.

Cards may be sent to:

Bridget Highfill, PO Box 41863, Los Angeles, CA 90041

Flowers may be sent to:

McAulay and Wallace Mortuary, 902 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA 92832

Donations on behalf of Eleanor Highfill maybe made online by following the link below:

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E86624&id=36

When filling out the form, donors will need to check the box next to “I would like to dedicate this donation.” Then under Type of Tribute, click on the arrow in the box below and there will be an option to select in honor or in memory. In the box under Tribute Name, they will need to enter Eleanor Highfill.

If you would like to send in a donation in Eleanor Highfill’s memory via mail, you can send it in to:

Meals on Wheels Orange County 1200 N. Knollwood Cir. Anaheim, CA 92801