Share: 

Eleanor Lee West, retired nurse

February 16, 2018

Mrs. Eleanor Lee West, 93, of Gumboro, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2018, at her home surrounded by family and friends.

She was the beloved wife of the late Delaware State Representative Charles P. West, who predeceased her Oct. 7, 2015. Eleanor Lee was born Nov. 21, 1924, in Philadelphia, Pa., one of two daughters of Roland Smith and his wife, the former Florence Ward of Laurel. She lost her parents tragically at an early age and was raised by her guardians, Edwell and Doris Collins of Laurel.

Eleanor was educated at Laurel High School and at Delaware Hospital in Wilmington, where she earned her RN degree in 1945. She and Charles were married Oct. 22, 1946. Thereafter, Eleanor worked as a private-duty nurse, and retired as nursing supervisor from Stockley Center after 25 years of service.

An extremely public-spirited citizen, Eleanor worked closely with her husband on his work as a legislator, and had her own extensive interests, among which were her membership in Gumboro and Westwoods United Methodist Church, the Gumboro Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary, the Laurel Alumni Association, and the Women's Democratic Club. She served as a Millsboro Public Library Commissioner and member of the Friends of the Millsboro Public Library organization. She was a former volunteer mentor at East Millsboro Elementary School, and a former Cub Scout den mother. Eleanor was also the seasoned veteran of many political campaigns. She was always ready to be of help whenever and wherever she was needed in the community.

Eleanor was predeceased, in addition to her husband and her parents, by her guardians and her sister, Peggy Eskridge of Galestown, Md. She is survived by her son, Charles P. "Chip" West II and daughter-in-law Debbie; her beloved granddaughter Jenna; and by many nieces and nephews and their families, as well as many dear friends.

A viewing will be held Monday, Feb. 19, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro. A funeral service will follow, beginning at 1 p.m. Eleanor will be laid to rest beside her husband in the West Family Farm Cemetery, Lone Cypress Road, Gumboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to VITAS Hospice, 100 Commerce Dr., Suite 302, Newark, DE 19713.

Electronic condolences may be made via www.watsonfh.com.

Subscribe to the CapeGazette.com Daily Newsletter