Eleanor Todd, age 85 of Chesterton, IN, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2021. She was born on August 8, 1936 in Gary, IN to Arthur and Marjorie (Hubbard) Hokanson, both of whom preceded her in death.
On August 19, 1961, she married the love of her life, Graham Todd, who preceded her in death on July 11, 2017.
She is survived by her loving children, Deborah (Gary) Beard of Chesterton, IN, Steve (Jeannette) Todd of California, and Douglas (Dianne) Todd of California; her treasured grandchildren, Scott and Rachel Beard, Lena, Addison, and Colby Todd, Nathaniel and Samuel Todd; her sister, Nancy Hokanson of Porter, IN, and numerous cousins.
Eleanor graduated from DePauw University with a BA in Education. She taught at the elementary school level in Battle Creek, MI before meeting and marrying Graham Todd. After taking time to raise a family during which the family moved to California, she returned to work as an aide at the elementary school library and finally as an associate at the Portal Teacher’s Resource Center for many years before retiring.
Eleanor was also incredibly artistic. She was talented with ceramics, making and then gifting and selling many pieces at art shows/festivals. Oil painting was another strong suit and in the latter part of life, changed to watercolors. She also dabbled in stained glass; several pieces were incorporated in to her house in California. Her most prolific and meaningful artistic gifts were quilts, many of which were made to celebrate the birth of her grandchildren.
Her other main focus was Church of Valley. Over the years, she was active in education, Women’s Fellowship, Council, and Trustees. Eleanor lived in California for 54 years before moving back to the area.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 10 a.m. at the Chesterton United Methodist Church, 434 S 2nd St., Chesterton, IN with Pastor Heather Foley officiating. Burial will follow at Chesterton Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following charities: American Diabetes Association, American Lung Cancer Association, Crohns and Colitis Foundation, Riley Children’s Hospital.
Professional arrangements are entrusted to the White-Love Funeral Home, Chesterton, IN. Please share your wonderful memories with the family at: www.whitelovefuneralhome.com.
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