Eleanor Pauly

Eleanor Elaine Pauly, 93, of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, March 8, 2026 amongst family and caretakers. She was a cherished mother, grandmother and friend, and her presence will be deeply missed.

Eleanor was born in Minneapolis on November 24, 1932, the fifth of seven daughters born to Orrin and Hilda Erickson. Upon graduating from high school, Eleanor attended secretarial school, and served in a variety of administrative positions throughout her career. She retired from Merck, Sharp and Dohme in 1993.

In the early 50’s, Eleanor met a handsome, young man named Robert Leo Pauly, a Chicagoan who was visiting relatives. “He made me laugh again,” she said, which was no small task after the recent death of her father. Eleanor and Robert were married on August 2, 1952 and moved to Chicago shortly thereafter. In 1960, Eleanor and Robert bought their first home in Hillside, where they raised four children, before finally settling in Glen Ellyn in 1980. Eleanor and Robert were married for 52 years before Robert’s untimely passing in 2004.

Besides assisting with term papers and essays, Eleanor possessed many skills and had many hobbies, including cooking, baking, sewing, tailoring, quilting, gardening, basket weaving, painting, furniture refinishing, wallpaper hanging, puzzle making, bowling and fishing. She was always game for a road trip, including crisscrossing the country for vacations, sporting events, college drop-offs and graduations (in one week, she dipped her toes in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans). In 2015, alongside her grandchildren, she made her professional acting debut - as an affluent, South American grandma - for the Disney Corporation.

She regretted not attending college, and channeled this regret into sending her four children to private high schools and universities. Her parental non-negotiables: healthy food, great medical care and great educations. She sacrificed for each.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband Robert Leo Pauly and sisters Dorothy, Jo Ann, Mary Lou and Lois. Eleanor is survived by sisters Ruth and Carol; her children Robert (Dexy), Debra (Gary), William and Lynne; her grandchildren Jennifer, Mary, William, Judith, John, James, Elizabeth, Amelia and Robert, and great-grandchildren Jeff, John, Madelyn, Brandon and William (aka Liam). She was an aunt to dozens, second mom to many; she cultivated a wide circle of friends and participated in many clubs and organizations, including her favorite Hillside poker club.

Hers was a life well-lived, and she will be missed.

A memorial gathering is planned for Friday, March 20 at Leonard Memorial Home, 565 Duane Street, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137, from 5:30 to 8:00, with a service at 7:00. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family has requested donations to the Alzheimer’s Association, by web at www.alz.org/donate or by mail 225 N Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603. For more information please call (630) 469-0032.

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