One hundred and six years. What a terrifically full life. In her 106 years, Eleanor D. Ottoson of Townsend, Georgia witnessed and was affected by significant and historic events that influenced her life choices and her joyful way of living. She lived through two world wars, two epidemics, the passage of the 19th Amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote, the Great Depression of the 30s, the electrification of America, introduction of wired and wireless telephony, and mass media brought on by radio and television.

As a registered nurse and public health care proponent, she participated in the introduction of modern health technologies and antibiotics to cure common ailments that shortened or altered so many lives.

Eleanor departed this life August 3rd, 2023, leaving us much to remember. She was born

May 25, 1917, in Trenton, NJ, the only child of Charlotte and Walter Lebernight. She was especially close with her mother who taught her many skills. With good humor, Eleanor often admitted that Charlotte's renowned mastery of cooking did not transfer; she was always ready to praise other's cooking accomplishments. Eleanor attended public schools in Trenton and in 1938 became a Registered Nurse, later specializing in pediatrics and public health.

In 1939, Eleanor married Lawrence Donnelly with whom she had two children, William Donnelly of Seattle, WA, born 1941, and Kathleen Crews Johnson of Townsend, GA, born 1943. Lawrence died in 1960. In 1962, Eleanor married Alfred Wisely, who died in 1978. While living in Florida, Eleanor married Roland Ottoson in 1992. Roland died in 1999. Then, having decided that three marriages was enough, Eleanor sold her home in Spring Hill, FL in 2000, and moved to Eulonia, where she purchased a home near her daughter Kathleen.

Eleanor was blessed with four grandchildren, Christine Williams (Rodney) of Alma, GA, Robin Hulsey (Stephen) of Brunswick, GA, Wendy Del'Acqua (Michael) of Brunswick, GA, and Mackenzie Patton-Donnelly of Seattle, WA, six great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Eleanor was a smart, sensible, highly principled woman who cared deeply about American democracy. She also loved America as a place. She'd visited many states; in her 70s traveling and camping across the country. Eleanor was adamant about women participating fully in family life, work, church, and the public arena. She held strong opinions and was always ready to defend what she believed to be the right or righteous course.

A prolific letter writer, she was proud of being a faithful correspondent - crafting greeting cards she spun out with her home printer. Known for the care she took in correspondence with family and friends, her penmanship was stellar, even in the final years. She also was always delighted to describe her volunteerism with Dorcas Society and singing in the church choir.

Her generosity and engaging smile brought many into her circle of friendship. All who knew her gained from her spirited and inspirational embrace of life. And one enduring lesson she offered to all: Eleanor never surrendered to adversity or hardship. Never.

On August 3rd, 2023, surrounded by three generations of loving family, at Hospice of the Golden Isles, Eleanor bid farewell to this world.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 9th, 2023, 6:00 to 7:30pm at Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home, 4407 US Hwy 17 North, Brunswick.