ELEANOR ZELLER (NEE JESSE)

July 10, 1940 ~ January 16, 2020

It is with great sadness that the family of Eleanor Zeller (nee Jesse) announce her passing on January 16, 2020, at the age of 79 years. Eleanor was born in Maple Creek, SK., and lived with her family in Golden Prairie until she was the age of 10 when the family relocated to Medicine Hat. She had many fond memories of spending quality time with her father, Gust and always told stories of being by his side with his welding business. Eleanor was blessed with many years with her dear mom, Ida who only passed five years ago at the age of 101. She met the love of her life, Harry through her brother, Marven and their love bloomed over the years and they wed in 1957. Their union was blessed with a daughter, Brenda and two sons, Les and Barry. Eleanor’s children were the focus of her young life as a mother raising her family and doting on them so very proudly. Together, mom and dad taught the kids right from wrong and a strong work ethic. In 1965 the family moved to Calgary for Harry’s work and it was very hard on Eleanor as she missed being closer to her family. In 1967, only after two years away, they returned to Medicine Hat to open their own automotive business, Zelmor Automotive. Eleanor was right beside Harry doing anything in the business she could to help it thrive. She was the delivery truck driver for years and eventually was promoted to office manager and held this position right until her retirement. They treasured spending as much time with their family members as they could and enjoyed each other’s company until her passing. Eleanor and Harry did quite a bit of RVing and traveling to many amazing places with probably the most memorable being their Rhine River cruise but also did an Alaska cruise as well as several other cruises. She especially loved the Hawaiian Islands. Eleanor loved all her children and grandchildren with all of her heart and always enjoyed when the chance to visit came upon her. Their door was always open with some tea offered with a lovely visit. She adored babies and little ones and they were always a huge focus in her life. Eleanor is survived by her loving husband, Harry of 62 years; daughter, Brenda (Leroy) Friesen, sons, Les (Melody), Barry (Barb); grandchildren, Adrienne (Trevor) Brum, Nicole (Cory) Simon, Travis Patterson, Marnie Zeller, Taylor Zeller; great- grandchildren, Kaylan Brum, Jerika Brum, Reed Simon, Everly Simon; siblings Robert (Millie), Mildred (Fred), Marven (May) and Donna as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father, Gust; mother, Ida; mother-in-law, Mary and father-in-law, John; son-in-law, Garry Patterson and three infant grandsons, Jason, Justin and Logan Zeller, which was such a huge heartbreak for Eleanor and the family. In July 2019, mom was diagnosed with stage 4 Liver Cancer and it sadly took her life! The Celebration of Eleanor’s Life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Streeet S.W., Medicine Hat, on Wednesday, January 22, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. Murray Jaster officiating. Fellowship will immediately follow in the Reception Facility. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made in Eleanor’s name directly to St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice, 156 – 3 Street N.E., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 5M1; or the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Road N.E., Calgary, AB., T2E 2P5, or a charity of ones choice. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”