Eleanor was born to Russell and Pearl (Swartz) Smith and was raised in Louisville, Ohio through high school. There among other things, she played in the band and this is where she met her future husband. After graduating, she joined for one year, George “Red” Bird’s Musical Majorettes, an all-girls marching band that played during half time for the Cleveland Browns. This is when she became a Brown’s fan for life.
After she married David, the couple moved to Lorain, Ohio where they became part of the music community there for over ten years. In the early 1960’s, the family moved the Mansfield, Ohio and started a music business eventually becoming involved with the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra. She was a member of the American Federation of Musicians Union, and American Harp Society. Eleanor began lessons on the harp at the age of 45 and subsequently became the Symphony harpist. In the 1990’s, Eleanor and her husband formed a harp and flute duo, playing for many weddings, luncheons, and celebrations. After her husband’s unexpected death in 1998, Eleanor continued her harp & flute duo with a new partner. She played harp until she was 80 years old.
Family and music were her life. She will be remembered as loving and fearless!
She leaves behind to carry on her legacy her daughters, Carol (Fred) Goodwin and Connie (Kenneth) Souders; her grandchildren, Christen, Katy, Kevin, Russell, and Genevieve; her great-grandchildren, Scott, Gage and Aurora; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, David L. Schmucker.
Guests will be received by the family from 12:30-2:00 pm on Friday, February 23, 2024 at Wappner Funeral Directors-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington Springmill Rd. Following will be a graveside service at Mansfield Memorial Park. The family requests that you consider making a memorial contribution in honor of Eleanor to Hospice of North Central Ohio, 2131 Park Ave. West, Ontario, OH 44906 or Mansfield Youth Symphony in care of Renaissance Performing Arts, 138 Park Ave. West, Mansfield, OH 44908 or Humane Society of Richland County, 3025 Park Ave. West, Ontario, OH 44906 or to the charity of your choice.
