She was happy to connect with her close family members via phone. She was born on August 27, 1920, to John and Margaret McRae Rae in Newark, New Jersey. Fondly called “Sis” by her four older brothers who she adored, she often told stories of fun memories growing up in a Scottish family. She attended school in Livingston, NJ and loved her early years in the 4H Club. Eleanor graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1939 in Bloomfield, NJ and was a faithful, longtime member of the Presbyterian Church
George Conklin returned home after WWII and met Eleanor while working at Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company in Newark, NJ. They were married on Valentine’s Day, February 14,1948 in her home church, Westminster Presbyterian in Bloomfield, NJ. In the early 1950’s, moving to Whippany, NJ, Eleanor was a wonderful homemaker and loving mother to their two daughters Elaine and Diane. As a family they enjoyed many camping and boating adventures throughout the United States and Canada. She took joy in gathering her brothers and their families together at Christmas time. A dedicated Girl Scout leader for both her girls, she was active in the women’s group. Later on, she returned to work in Finance at Chubb and Sons Insurance Company in Summit, NJ.
By 1980 they moved to Highland Lakes Retirement Community in Palm Harbor, FL where they treasured new and old friends, community activities, golf, travel, cruises, and visits from their family. Known by all for her loving, caring, humble, happy disposition and soft wit, Eleanor was always up for cards and games with friends as well as grandchildren. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, cooking and other handiwork, singing in the church choir and with the Highland Lassies. Eleanor was an active member of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Dunedin, FL for 28 years in the women’s circle and serving as a deacon and usher into her elder years. At St. Mark Village she enjoyed 15 years of senior living with many good friends. Eleanor especially enjoyed traveling to Scotland, England, Egypt, Russia, Holy Lands, and Italy into her 80s. She was a sweet, gentle soul blessed with a very full, long life.
Eleanor is survived by her loving daughters Elaine Campoli of Palm Harbor, FL, Diane Plaisted (Jay) of Winston Salem, NC; her grandchildren Cara Campoli Heritage (Derreck), Jonathan Campoli, Amanda Plaisted, Justin Plaisted (Courtney), Sarah Plaisted; and three great grandchildren, Russell, Forrest Plaisted, Axel Heritage, as well as nieces, nephews and dear friends.
She is predeceased by her husband of 45 years, George A. Conklin (1993); brothers Edward, John (“Jack”), Hugh, and Harold Rae. Son-in-law Larry Campoli passed later on August 12, 2022, in Palm Harbor, FL.
Eleanor’s Florida celebration of life memorial service was held at the chapel at St. Mark Village, Palm Harbor, FL on August 27, 2022, at 10:00 am followed by a reception. The day would have been Eleanor’s 102nd birthday.
In Eleanor’s home state of New Jersey, a chapel and graveside service will be held at Restland Memorial Park Cemetery, 77 Deforest Avenue, East Hanover, NJ at 11:00 am on Sunday, September 11, 2022, to coincide with the service of her son-in-law, Larry R. Campoli.
In Eleanor’s memory, donations can be made to St. Mark Village, marked for the Continuing Care Fund, 2655 Nebraska Avenue, Palm Harbor, FL 34684 to assist elderly residents in need.
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