Elinor Thomas Guinn

On June 7. 1928, Minnabeth and Murray welcomed the addition of their baby sister. Christened Elinor Jane Thomas, she was the youngest child of Robert McDonald Thomas and Elizabeth Carson Thomas of Denver, Colorado.

Spelling her name with an “i” rather than the more common “Eleanor” …from the onset you knew she was unique. Her childhood nickname was Dolly…. the story goes this was because she was such a beautiful baby with porcelain smooth skin that Minnabeth proclaimed her a living doll. Dolly was often sidelined because of internal abnormalities she had at birth. With her physical activity limited, she focused on developing her social skills. She was outgoing, friendly, and well-liked. Because of her health challenges, Murray surmised that this attributed to her self-determination and strength of character. Some might call her stubborn, she scoffed and said she was strong-willed. This also nurtured her generous spirit and empathy toward those facing struggles which she displayed throughout her lifetime. She thrived on being a “second mom” to many who found comfort in her friendship.

With her elder siblings out of the house and her physical activity limited, Dolly nurtured her creative gene. She became an accomplished pianist, expert seamstress and talented calligrapher.

The summer before her high school senior year, Ellie, as she was now called, underwent cutting edge surgery to repair her childhood abnormalities. This medical procedure, documented in medical journals, allowed her to live a normal and fulfilling life without further limitations.

Upon graduating from Denver’s South High, she enrolled into the University of Colorado at Boulder. Go Buffaloes! It was here that her life path found its true compass north. Powered by her creative energy, she matriculated with a degree in architecture and interior design. And it was at an Alpha Chi Omega pledge sneak that she met S. Lester Guinn Jr., a Kappa Sigma member. Les made several attempts to date but she dismissed his advances. She would later say it was because her dance card was booked solid for several months! She eventually said yes and so began a 72-year love affair.

In 1950 with diplomas and marriage certificate in hand, the newlyweds moved west to Bellevue, Washington. She welcomed daughter Terin Susanne and later son Brent. Ellie settled into her role as the executive wife and mother, roles that she savored. She volunteered at the children’s schools, was on the guild that raised the funds to establish Overlake Hospital and was the pillar of the family household. A devoted dog lover, she had several Cocker Spaniels and Westies. Leveraging her degree, she designed and oversaw the construction of their custom mid-century modern home and beach cottage…designs that have stood the test of time.

She was most at home tending to her English flower garden…hydrangeas, azaleas, and roses…oh the roses! She cultivated well over 100 rose varieties and was active with the Seattle Rose Society. She was a talented floral arranger and found pleasure in delivering beautiful bouquets to family and friends.

While she enjoyed her idyllic life, it was when she became a grandmother that she found pure joy. Ellie and Les were an integral part of their grandchildren’s lives. They shuttled them to school and extra-curricular events. Over a 3-yr period she attended all of Spencer’s Little League games. (Her father was a semi-pro baseball player, and she was devoted fan of the sport. Go Mariners!). While she cheered Spencer on, her most important role was supplying the entire dugout with Bazooka bubble gum at each game. She enjoyed taking Briana shopping, shared their mutual love of dolls and even tried to teach her to knit, that didn’t go so well.

It wasn’t all rainbows and unicorns; she was inherently frugal and would frown when we ripped the wrapping paper off presents rendering them useless for future gift wrapping. She wouldn’t allow the radio on in the car because she proclaimed it distracted the driver. And don’t EVER touch her hair as you might mess it, and her next beautician appointment was surely too far away!

Ever the social hub, she was prolific at keeping in touch with friends and family, writing hundreds of cards and letters a year, and later when technology entered her life, emails. She had a superb memory, never forgetting a name, important dates, or life events. As dementia ravaged her mind, she was frustrated that those memories failed her. But in the end, we know that she lived in the moment and takes with her all her cherished memories. While death is always sad, Ellie lived a full 95 years. In the end her heart was tired, she was tired, and her Irish/Scottish stubbornness just said “enough!”

Elinor passed away peacefully on November 24, 2023. She was predeceased by her husband S. Lester Guinn, Jr., and her beloved daughter Terin. She is survived by her son Brent (Genevieve], grandchildren Spencer (Haylee) and Briana, and great grandson Maverick.

There will be a small private gravesite burial for immediate family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to the Terin S. Guinn Fund at The Virginia Mason Foundation, PO Box 1930 Seattle, WA 98111 or online at https://www.virginiamasonfoundation.org/