Eleanor H. Harrison

Ardently devoted mother and wife, passed away on Friday August 29, 2009 at Bethany Manor, Horseheads, NY with her loving husband by her side. Eleanor was born in Elmira, NY on November 8, 1918 to Guy and Ruth (Quick) Harder. She married George S. Harrison on November 17, 1943. They are the proud parents of George W. Harrison and Edward S. Harrison. Over 66 years of marriage, Eleanor devoted herself to the care development, and safekeeping of her family especially Edward (currently 61 years old) who was born with cerebral palsy and mental retardation. He lived with his parents for over 58 years in Elmira prior to entering an ARC group home. Eleanor was instrumental in helping to establish and develop community-based programs and services spanning over 60 years. Eleanor is survived by her husband, George S. Harrison of Bethany Manor, Horseheads, NY and two sons, George W. and his wife Virginia Harrison of Halfmoon, NY and Edward S. Harrison of Pine City, NY. Her grandchildren are Dr. Zachary E. and Evon Harrison of Las Vegas, NV and Olivia M. and Steven Claypool of Ballston Spa, NY. Eleanor's great grandchildren are Jacob Claypool, Emma Claypool of Ballston Spa, NY and Kylee Thompson of Las Vegas, NV. She is also survived by nieces Claudia (David) Weber and Nadine Duckworth and nephews Robert (Marti) Jump and Richard (Linda) Jump.Eleanor was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church in Elmira.Eleanor co founded the Mother's Club for Retarded Children over 50 years ago and was actively involved in numerous programs, activities, and fund-raisers. She ardently believed that these special needs children required and responded to the love and attention that could and should be provided within the family and Community.Her other activities included, Association for Retarded Citizens board member. RSVP Volunteer, Home Bureau, various card clubs, floral arranging, sewing, crafts, and bowling.The family wants to extend their appreciation to Southern Tier Hospice and the staff of Skill Three at Bethany Manor for their dedicated and supportive care.The family will receive friends at Olthof Funeral Home Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira/Southport, NY on Saturday September 19, 2009 from 12:00 to 1:00 PM with Funeral and Committal there Saturday at 1:00 PM, Reverend Michael Weeden will officiate. Interment will be held at the convenience of the family in Woodlawn Cemetery, Elmira. In lieu of flowers it was Eleanor's request that memorial donations be made to the Chemung ARC Trust, 711 Sullivan St., Elmira, NY 14901. Her life's path set her onto an unexpected journey involving mentally and physically challenged children and adults where she led with her heart and her devotion to make things better.