Mary Eleanor Eleanor Honnigfort
June 14, 1914 - September 26, 2008
Obituary
Mary Eleanor Honnigfort was born on June 14, 1914 to H.E. Honnigfort and Elenor Thorbeck Honnigfort in Tacoma , WA . She attended Immaculate Conception Elementary School, Forest Ridge Academy , University of Washington and Cornish School of Arts in Seattle. She leaves behind her 1st cousins Anna McGuire, Jane Braddock, and Margaret Kinsey of Evansville, Indiana; and her Seattle adoptive family of close friends, Franci Harold Fretheim and her children Shawn, Shain, Casey and Brittany; Tom & Paula Crawley and their children Daniel and Rebecca; Justin & Jennifer Harold and their children Grant and Jenna, of Vancouver, WA; Greg Harold and his children Geoff and Dan of Portland, OR. All of these children and many more considered Eleanor their own Grama ME, beginning as far back as 40 years ago. She was loved and cherished by all ……….we will meet her again someday in Heaven for another Apple Press Party. In lieu of flowers Please make donations to: Providence Hospice of Seattle 425 Pontius Ave. N. #300 Seattle, WA 98109
I have known Eleanor all of my life, she was a wonderful influence; with her I learned, laughed. She gave me paints, brushes, pastels, colored pencils and paper for Christmases; got me my first “real” job at J.K. Gill in Seattle; she called to let me know that my mother had had a stroke. We exchanged cards and notes for many years and I am grateful to have some of her paintings and pastels hanging in my home. Eleanor has been and will continue to be a part of my life.
I have always known you as “Miss Eleanor.” We were the Japanese family who lived next door on 16th avenue in Seattle. We knew your mother and your “weiner” dog, Benson. I was the oldest of the seven children. We continued to keep in touch with you after the move to the barn. You were the kindest person. You have the most beautiful laugh! May peace be with you now!
My memories of Eleanor are many. She has been in my life since I was born, 40 years ago. She was like a grandmother to me. I will miss her dearly. My best memories of her were ones that included my grandfather Jack Harold. They were so wonderful to me and treated me like I was a princess. The smell of her barn & Apple Press Party’s still linger in my senses, and my heart. Eleanor was always there for my mom and the rest of our family just like any grandmother would be. I love you Elllie. I will see you on the other side. I know you are smiling down on us today.
I have found memories visiting ME. I often wondered how she thought up the idea of turning the old barn into a house.
I have wonderful memories of 2 visits to Mary Eleanor and regret that I wasn’t able to get out to see her in these last days. She will always hold a place in my heart.
Cousin Margaret
Eleanor was like a mother to me for the past 43 years. My four children have each known her from the day they were born and concidered her their “Grandma”. We celebrated all the Holidays,birthdays,graduations,kids sports events,apple pressing parties,etc. as a family.
We’ll treasure her love and all our fond memories forever,till we meet her again someday in Heaven.
Great memories of our times together, lunching, talking, and apple pressing. We had only one difference in our name Eleanor. I was the AUNT.
Mary Eleanor lived near my late husband’s family growing up Leonard Aronson. He often talked fondly of joining the Honnigfort’s for Christmas and seeing ME Honnigfort play Santa Claus! Eleanor painted and presented Leonard and I with a beautiful picture she had painted as a wedding gift to us, which I still cherish.
Sincerely, Marian Aronson
I’ll always remember the sweet, listening ear you had and the sincere care for others. Such a talented person and very down-to-earth, yet creative. Such a giving person – you will be missed deeply.
I am glad I met her years ago. She was a very kind and loving woman. I don’t think she had a mean bone in her body and she was a talented artist to boot. She brought Franci a lot of joy and visa versa. Franci was always doing nice things for her and Eleanor deserved every bit of it. Very gracious and loving. I can’t say that about too many people, besides Eleanor and my deceased Mother-in-law. It’s a rare beauty and I’m glad I got to meet at least two in my life!
She was a very strong and wonderful woman.I’m sorry for her passing she will be missed
Dear Friend, Your birthday card to me of many years ago says it best:
Your birthday as my own
to me is dear…
But yours gives most;
for mine did only lend
me to the world;
yours gave to me a friend.
Bless you Eleanor, for you have been a constant friend whom I shall miss dearly. I love you.
Paula