Eleanor Marie Harris, age 87, of East Helena, died on May 8, 2013. She was born Eleanor Marie Petek November 19, 1925, in Helena Montana, to John and Helena Petek. Eleanor lived her entire life in East Helena and was proud of the fact that she was a native of the area. She graduated from Helena High School and married her husband, John “Jack” Harris in 1943.
Eleanor worked for Eddy’s Bakery, “The Dime Store” and later worked part time at the East Helena Post Office, ASARCO, and the city of East Helena. These jobs provided her with an outlet to socialize with her many friends, whom she enjoyed immensely. She never drove and was often seen either walking or riding her pink Schwinn bike to and from work. Most of Eleanor’s mid-life years were devoted to raising three ambitious boys. This led to the skillful wielding of a fly swatter and wooden spoon to keep the rascals in line. She was known for her cooking, especially the use of a pressure cooker. Many evenings were interrupted by the explosive bang of the pressure cooker gasket blowing and many meals were spewed on the ceiling. She enjoyed various hobbies, including rock hunting, making and selling jewelry, sewing, and other crafts. She looked forward to monthly lunches with “the cousins” where they all got caught up on the latest gossip and their family lives.
Eleanor was a generous and kind person who rarely had anything bad to say about anyone. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Eleanor is survived by her husband of 69 years, Jack Harris, sister Bonnie (Jack) Jones, children Corky (Judy) Harris, Tim (Gail) Harris, and Don (Barbara) Harris. Her grandchildren: Kelly Harris, Erin (Nate) Church, Casey (Lyndsey) Harris, Samuel and Colin Harris. Nieces and nephews: Andy (Ann) Utick, Jr.; Bob (Carol) Utick ; Peggy (Steve) Harlan; Cathie (Bud) Beard; Connie (Randy) Hendrix; George (Mary) Mulcaire-Jones; Walter (Cindy) Jones; John “Jug” Jones; Lindy (Colleen) Jones; Mary (Troy) Smith; Anna (Steve) Thennis , as well as four great-grandchildren, Alauna Harris, Keilah Church, Ezra Church and Elijah Church. She is also survived by numerous relatives who, like Eleanor, were part of the extensive Petek family of East Helena.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, John and Helena Petek, daughter, Cheryl Harris, sister and brother-in-law, Violet (Andy) Utick, brother and sister-in-law Johnny (June) Petek, nephew John Utick.
Special thanks to the employees of Aspen Gardens and Hospice of St. Peter’s for their compassionate care in Eleanor’s last days. We would also like to thank Beverly Roope, FNP for her care and friendship over the past few years.
A vigil will be held on Sunday, May 12 at 6 p.m. at St. Cyril and Methodius Catholic church in East Helena. A graveside service will be held on Monday, May 13 at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Cemetery in East Helena, followed by a celebration of Eleanor’s life at the VFW club in East Helena. In lieu of flowers Eleanor suggests memorials be sent in her name to God’s Love in Helena.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Sunday May 12, 2013
Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
East Helena, MT
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Monday May 13, 2013
VFW
117 W. Main Street
East Helena, MT
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 p.m.
Sunday May 12, 2013
Saints Cyril and Methodius Catholic Church
East Helena, MT
Reception
Following the Graveside Service
Monday May 13, 2013
VFW
117 W. Main Street
East Helena, MT
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Glen Cuchine says
My thoughts and prayers are with Eleanor’s family. I grew up in the same neighborhood as Eleanor, Jack and family. Eleanor’s loyalty to her family is a tribute to who she was. What a super daughter, sister, mom and grandma.