Eleanore Rachel Klein, formerly Lachance, was born on July 20, 1927, in Holyoke Massachusetts, and passed away peacefully on June 28th, 2025, surrounded by her daughter and granddaughter in Palm Bay Florida, at the age of 97. Eleanore lived a life full of strength, compassion, and enduring love for her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose presence brought warmth and steadiness to every room she entered.
She graduated from Kearny High School in 1944, earned her master's degree in teaching in 1948, and her bachelor's degree in nursing from Jersey City Medical Center School of Nursing in 1949. Eleanore went on to have a long and accomplished career as a nurse, working across many specialties with skill, empathy and commitment.
One of the most beautiful chapters in her life began when she met her future husband, Joseph, in the hospital after World War II. He had returned home with shrapnel wounds, and Eleanore was assigned as his nurse. Their bond, formed through care and courage, grew into a lifelong love story for generations to come.
Eleanore was raised in the Roman Catholic faith and attended church regularly throughout her life. Her faith was always a steady presence in her life helping to guide her and the way she lived, with humility, generosity, and love.
She also had a deep love for travel and found great joy in exploring new places, meeting new people, and experiencing the beauty of the world. Whether across the country or abroad, Eleanore cherished each journey and the memories they brought.
She also found deep comfort and happiness in her daily conversations with her children, especially her son Raymond and her daughter Joanne. These daily talks were a cherished part of her routine and a reflection of the close, enduring bond they shared.
She is survived by her loving children: Garry, Tommy, and Joanne; 14 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph, two of her children, Arthur and Raymond, daughter in law Irene, and her brother Roger.
Her legacy is one of love, service, curiosity, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith. Her memory lives on in the hearts of all who had the privilege to know her.
A service to honor her life will be held on July 19th, 2025 from 9am to 12pm at Wilfred Armitage & Wiggins Funeral Home in Kearny NJ 07032.
She will be remembered with deep love and missed dearly.
