Obituary of Eleanor P. Hedden
Webster: On Thursday, April 16, 2020, age 88. Beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt.
Predeceased by parents Edward and Marjorie Phinney and husband of 65 years, George C. Hedden. Left to cherish Eleanor’s memory and gain strength from her never ending love and compassion; sons Steven (Vicki), Mark (Gwynne), Scott (Anna), daughter Linda (Greg Tripp); granddaughters Alexandra and Abby Hedden; sister Elaine Russell and nephews Jeffrey and Christopher; sister-in-law Dona Moran and nieces Debra Moran (son Ryan), Jen (Paul) Hoerner, nephew Christopher (Marlene) Moran; extended family, friends, former colleagues and neighbors recent and past.
Eleanor was born November 5, 1931 in Jamaica, NY, and grew up in Fillmore NY. She graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1952 from the Buffalo General Hospital School of Nursing. In 1974, after a number of years at home raising her children, Eleanor earned certification as a pediatric nurse practitioner from the University of Rochester School of Nursing. In 1976, after several years in other positions, Eleanor accepted employment as a community health nurse with the Monroe County Health department. In late 1979, Eleanor was appointed the nurse in charge of the Pediatric Clinic, where until her retirement in 1994, she provided direct health care to children in the foster care system, as well as support to foster parents.
Eleanor and George were married in 1952, moved to Webster, NY in 1961, where they raised their family and happily resided together until George’s death in September 2017. Eleanor’s retirement years afforded her more time to pursue the many interests that fed her spirit and nurtured many friendships, including gardening – especially flowers, sewing and quilting, book review groups and her love of all forms of the arts – dedicated to staying physically strong through regular exercise, to be able to do it all! Retirement also included many visits with family in Michigan and California, travels with George, her sister (and best friend) Elaine, or other friends to parts of the US, Canada, and especially Paris, France, with a last Bermuda cruise adventure in October 2019. She remained devoted to her family and friends, while in the last few years taking full advantage of the many offerings available with life at St. Ann’s Community at Cherry Ridge. The family is grateful to the staff and neighbors who so warmly welcomed her (and George), and for the meaningful life connections she so enjoyed.
Due to the unfortunate circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, funeral services were held privately, with care entrusted to Willard H. Scott Funeral Home. A memorial celebration of Eleanor’s life, as she was loved by so many in the community, will be announced at a future date, as such gatherings become possible. Memorials may be directed to the Hugs Foundation, Inc., 973 East Avenue, Rochester NY 14607, or helpusgivesmiles.org/donate, for life changing surgeries for children; or to the charity of one’s choice.