The Unforgettable Ripple: Remembering Eleanor Ann Patton's Legacy of Love and Laughter

There are lives that simply ripple outwards, touching so many, and Eleanor Ann Patton’s was certainly one of them. She left us, peacefully, just before Christmas on December 23, 2023, in Redondo Beach, California—a place she’d called home for so many vibrant decades. Eleanor, who first saw the light of day in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, back on October 26, 1930, lived a life, you could say, defined by an almost fierce independence, a deep wellspring of faith, and an unwavering devotion to her sprawling family. Honestly, she made it all look rather effortless.

A proud graduate of Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls, Eleanor carried that foundational spirit throughout her days. And, while she did attend some college, her true education, perhaps, unfolded through life’s rich tapestry. In 1951, she married her beloved James "Jim" Patton, and together, they embarked on a journey that would take them far from their East Coast roots. The young family, growing quickly, made the significant move to Los Angeles in 1959, settling a year later into what would become their permanent haven in Redondo Beach.

Five children—James Jr., Mary Ann, Eileen, Joan, and Kathleen—came into the world, and Eleanor, remarkably, managed to balance the demanding role of motherhood with a professional career that truly defied the era’s expectations. She worked diligently as an Executive Assistant and Secretary for major companies like TRW, Northrop, McDonnell Douglas, and Hughes Aircraft, not retiring until she was 70. Just imagine, raising five children, keeping a bustling household, and excelling in such demanding roles; it’s quite a testament to her sheer grit and capability.

But her life wasn’t solely about work and family at home. Oh no. Eleanor was, in truth, the very heartbeat of her community at St. Lawrence Martyr Parish. She threw herself into everything, from PTA meetings to leading Girl Scout troops, serving as a lector, a Eucharistic Minister, and even contributing to the bereavement ministry and parish council. She even found time to volunteer at Little Company of Mary Hospital. For many, she was simply always there, ready to lend a hand, a listening ear, or, well, a beautifully baked treat.

Beyond her extraordinary commitments, Eleanor knew how to truly live. She was, quite honestly, an adventurous soul. Travel, it seemed, called to her—and she answered! Her passport held stamps from Europe, Asia, the Holy Land, Alaska, and Hawaii, each journey a testament to her zest for discovery. And yes, she was a fierce fan of her Philadelphia Phillies and, rather surprisingly, the Dodgers too. A great cook and baker, she found joy in feeding those she loved, always had a book in hand, and cherished a good musical, play, or movie. Her outlook, always positive, was a gift to everyone around her.

Eleanor's journey concluded, but not before she built a magnificent legacy. She was preceded in death by her dear husband, Jim, her parents, and her brother. Yet, her spirit lives on vibrantly through her five children, thirteen grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren, along with a wide circle of extended family and friends. A Rosary will be held on January 10, 2024, at 7:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Mass on January 11, 2024, at 10:00 am, both at St. Lawrence Martyr Church. Interment will then take place at Holy Cross Cemetery. Eleanor Ann Patton, a life well and truly lived, will be deeply missed, but her memory will undoubtedly continue to inspire for generations to come.