Eleanor W Richardson

ELEANOR (ELE) WENZEL RICHARDSON, 95 passed away peacefully on Feb. 28, 2026. She is survived by her four children, Rob (Lynn) of Bedford, OH, Cindy Alley (Rick) of State College PA, Barb Dottore (Al) of Independence, OH and Harry (Sarah) of N. Royalton OH; eight grandchildren, Becky, Liz, Janet, William, Courtney, Karen, Max and Benjamin; and seven greatgrandchildren, Joshua, David, Nathan, Anna, Matthew, Isaac, and Samantha, (and one coming Aug. 1). 

Ele graduated from Allegheny College in PA where she met Nathaniel Richardson. She married Niel (who predeceased her in 2012) in 1952. The two were rarely apart. She taught elementary school before raising her family and then becoming an English as a Second Language teacher for adults. She loved the outdoors and could identify almost every wildflower in woods or field. Her favorite flowers were daisies. At her wedding her  entire wedding party disappeared to pick daisies in the field when they decided they needed more flowers. 

A lifelong girl scout, she was a camp counselor at Camp Redwing, where she was known as “Tiger Lily”. She led troop 265 and also outdoor training and song and dance workshops for adult leaders for many, many years. She was an avid weaver and belonged to the Cuyahoga Weaver’s Guild until her death. She and Niel joined the Church of the Saviour in 1956. A woman of great faith, she was often found giving tours of the stained-glass windows and history of the Church of the Saviour in her role as church historian. She was instrumental in creating the Red Book (a history of the Church of the Saviour). She and Niel were members of the Towers Class from the 1950’s on. She loved music, especially camp songs, folk songs and classical music. Her favorite music was music played by her family on a wide variety instruments. Sing-a-longs were frequent and always brought joy. 

Everyone who knew her commented on her ready smile and constant optimism. She loved making friends and people loved being her friend. Throughout her life her most important love was her family. Niel and Ele instilled in all of their family a love of being together, sharing stories, and going on adventures. 

A Memorial Service for Ele will be held on April 11, 2026, at Church of the Saviour, 2537 Lee Rd., Cleveland Hts. OH in the Great Hall. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30am in the Parlor she loved. The service is at 11:00 in the Great Hall with a simple lunch reception following. Ele loved colors and flowers. In honor of her, we ask you consider this when choosing your outfit for the day. Memorial contributions can be made to the Church of the Saviour Foundation, 2537 Lee Rd. Cleveland Hts. OH 44118 or a charity of your choice.