Steve’s 2007 annual letter
My beloved sister EJ, Eleanore Jean Tennyson (Close), passed away September 2, 2007.
Memories of EJ, AKA Eleanore Close; Eleanore Tennyson by her Brother Steve Close
Memories of EJ, AKA Eleanore Close; Eleanore Tennyson by her Brother Steve Close
Born in Burlington IA. May 1, 1934.
Eleanore was named after Grandmothers Elena Snow MacFarland (Close) and Anna NoraChristensen. Or perhaps she was named after Valborg Close’s good friend, Eleanor Jensen. Both stories may be true.
From my earliest memories, I always looked up to EJ. She was athletic. She could do back bends, cartwheels, climb trees, play baseball, run and swim. Our Sister, Virginia recalls the time EJ climbed to the top of the Baldwin Theater when it was under construction. Not that I necessarily followed, but she also set an example of diligent study; completing College with honors.
Throughout my childhood, my “big” 9 year older sister made me feel valued by including me in many of her activities.
She’d invite me on walks through our neighborhood. And include me on church retreats at Forest Home. Or ask me to go on field trips with her college class. After she began dating Todd, I was often included on trips in Todd’s maroon 1948 Plymouth coupe.
When Todd brought EJ home on their first few dates, I would listen to their back porch banter from my bed and mischievously await the right moment to wisecrack and break their romantic spell. They would both good naturedly laugh at my juvenile antics.
I still have a first place blue ribbon I won in 1948 at the Village Green in a three legged sack race with EJ (or Ginny) I was more or less dragged to the finish line by my much bigger, faster sister.
When I was c 12, EJ took me and good friend Bob Oates to a movie in L.A. As we were about to take our balcony seats I was mortified when, overcome with enthusiasm, Bob blurted “Let’s raise hell!” in front of my pure and proper near adult sister, To my relief, EJ appeared to take no notice.
When I was c 12, EJ took me and good friend Bob Oates to a movie in L.A. As we were about to take our balcony seats I was mortified when, overcome with enthusiasm, Bob blurted “Let’s raise hell!” in front of my pure and proper near adult sister, To my relief, EJ appeared to take no notice.
My best friend Jim Otto and I, aged c 14, once took train to newlyweds ET and TT’s house in Fullerton. EJ made a salad containing kidney beans. Jim and I didn’t know what they were. EJ, to our profound dismay said they were little bunny hearts. Much relieved we were, when laughing, she told us the truth.
One wintry evening c. 1954, EJ and her date took me to the Pike in Long Beach. EJ’s friend offered me his field jacket as they put me aboard a double Ferris wheel. Alas, I’ll never forget when the ride broke down stranding me at the top during a rare California hail storm. Much relieved I was to touch the ground again.
In the prank department, I recall, still with anxiety, at age c 4, EJ and Ginny tossing a soup can back and forth over my head until eventually dropping it and splitting open my head.
I remember taking great pride in a comely teenage EJ wearing a Dutch girl outfit while working at Van De Kamp’s retail bakery in Baldwin Hills (Los Angeles) Thriftymart store.
I remember taking great pride in a comely teenage EJ wearing a Dutch girl outfit while working at Van De Kamp’s retail bakery in Baldwin Hills (Los Angeles) Thriftymart store.
At one of our last family soft ball games, I was amazed at how quick and agile EJ still was at running bases at age 50+.
More recently (2005?) on one of our last bike rides, EJ made it straight over the big hill from the Bottoms to stay with me. She reminded me of our senior Mom stoically climbing stairs unassisted to board a plane. Or our infirm Dad in his 90’s force walking to his church one last time.
EJ never complained. She was always more interested in welfare of others. She never showed any fear. She was accepting of whatever was to be.
EJ was a no make up needed, natural beauty. She was absent vanity or pretense. EJ got done what needed to be done without fanfare.
A brother could not hope to be blessed with a better sister than Eleanore Jean.
In her latter days, no one could have asked for more love and support than was given by her ever loyal and steadfast husband Todd and their 3 lovely daughter’s. I shall be forever thankful.
EJ’s Memorial Recap:
Todd’s tribute and summary of EJ’s life was superb. I learned new things about EJ and was refreshed about other things.
Of interest: when EJ was hired to teach, she embarked on an unconventional program of taking children to vacant lots and fields to overturn rocks etc., instead of cookie cutter curricula. Her innovative idea: teach kids about life, examine surroundings, ask questions. Rather than abandon her initiative as demanded by the school, she quit. In 1960’s parlance: EJ challenged authority.
One of EJ’s hospice workers remarked that EJ was among a rare few that “got to him”. 2-3 days before EJ’s passing, this man was playing music to cheer EJ. Another person was massaging her feet. When the music caught EJ’s attention, she began moving her head to the music. Then, remarkably, she began to move her legs and feet in time as well. It was duly noted and admired that EJ literally danced to her next destination.
An elderly lady said that EJ set a comforting example of dying without fear.
I agonized over delivering a tribute in front of 100+ people. Then, John Malone, who I hadn’t seen in about 50 years, whispered “go for it”. I did, and I’m glad.
Steve
From Valborg Close’s (EJ's Mother) Diary:
July 1955: EJ spending the summer at Campfire Girls camp, Va. Working part time, slumber parties, beach picnics, etc. Steve spends time with Jimmy Otto.
August 1955 EJ is on a High Sierra hiking trip and VA at Forest Home conference.
October 1955: Probably the most memorable October of our lives. Eleanore and Todd are engaged. We are delighted.
Jan 1956 New Year’s Eve was dull, but New Year’s Day we had a lovely game of Hearts with the Devitt’s and then Monday, the Legal Holiday, we c watched the game at Bev and John’s. John gave Steve a game and he popped in often to play with it.
January 1956 Eleanore and Todd have set a tentative date of August 24th for the wedding.
July 1956 Settling down to working 5 days a week. Steve is attending summer school and taking Junior life saving. Everything centering around EJ’s wedding. Or was until Virginia calmly announced she and Don McGilvary were engaged. They will marry in December. Such an exciting ??
August 1956 Much excitement preparing for EJ’s wedding. So many gifts we were unable to move. The fun of Todd’s coming and goings, and a happy hour when the four gathered in the girl’s room and opened gifts. The four of them each beautiful in spirit and body in different ways.
The wedding in church patio was beautiful and unlike any other. There were between 4 & 5 hundred people. Both Aunts were here, Elspeth and Dagny. T and EJ went camping in the High Sierra, then back to load up to go to Kentucky. The Sunday they were back we took Elspeth and Mother to Bartholow’s for dinner and then all to Tennysons to help sort wedding gifts. Then Mr. and Mrs. Todd Tennyson went to Olive Hill, Ky to teach in a Methodist Missionary school.
Started headlong into PTA after a vacation in the High Sierras at the Alpers. We had a good time there but enjoyed the ride home by Lake Isabella and then into the mountains on a very narrow road. The mountains and forest were beautiful.
Enjoying Don and Ginny’s romance after first shock. Kink appreciates his prospective son in law.
November 1956 Pam and I have had much fun talking about our children. We had one happy afternoon addressing wedding invitations. And somewhere along that time I went with Ginny and her bridesmaids for their fittings. Carolyn Whistler, Barbara Black and Betty Ludwig? Were all excited and we had a memorable time.
December 1956 Besides Nursery school and PTA we were caught up in the excitement of wedding preparations and Bestamore: trip to the hospital. First she had a fall. Then on Ginny’s wedding day she had a heart attack and we rushed from the hospital to the wedding.
Ginny and Don were married December 15 in the afternoon. The wedding was simple and lovely. They had their apartment already. And they received so many needed things for thanksgiving.
We joined the Ross Loos clinic.
Eleanore is pregnant. They spent Christmas ant the Hales and it was fun to get new of how she looked and was from them. The baby is due in May.
In January (1957) we had quite a production for Dad’s (Wilmer Christensen) birthday. People kept surprising him all day long. He was much pleased.
I believe it was in February Don and Ginny sprung the news that Don was giving up school and they were moving to Tulare. He is being transferred by the Auto Club. We’ll miss them, but they seem happy about it.
April 1957 Ann Small’s wedding was Saturday the 13th. I missed Eleanore terribly. Went to reception alone.
May 1957 And still more trouble and tragedy. Eleanore and Todd’s little boy was born dead May 2nd, the day after E.J’s Birthday. We called her when she came home. Our lovely daughter took it in her stride. They’ll be home soon.
June 1957 Celebrated Mom and Dad’s Wedding anniversary with Helen and Grey, Hans and Dolores, and Eleanor Nopar.
Don and Ginny came down for Bill Lopers and Carol F’s wedding. Eleanore and Todd were back and living in a house his parents found for them. So I proudly went to the wedding with my 2 daughters. They both looked beautiful in totally different ways. Don seem fine and how I love that Todd.
It was good to have EJ and Todd stopping in. We only got to their house once. Their stupid parakeet died after they had been here a week and EJ had an air of tragedy about her for awhile, but when they left she had her bubbling, happy nature back.
Curio their cat is as much of a personality as Cleo, Ginny and Don’s dog and equally spoiled.
July 1957 We spent a really happy Fourth in Tulare. Todd and Eleanore came up too. We had a nice motel with swimming pool and everyone got to use it. Had a picnic where we 3 women got stuck with all the food, equipment and 1 dog. EJ kept Va and me from blowing up. But it really was good having our family all together as well.
Bestamore is adjusting. Elspeth came out and spent some time in May. In May I received a flag for service to the Republican Women. The presidents were here and we celebrated with Screwdrivers.
August 1957 Todd went to Catalina for 2 weeks. EJ came down and spent a weekend with us. They left the last of August. We told them good-bye several times. First by phone then they came by on their way and their car broke down so they stayed all night. Finally the next morning we said good bye and they did get off. We all hate for them to go back. Life there is pretty dreadful, however they are wonderful people.
On Labor Day weekend 1957 Larsen’s came up for the holiday and Chal casually dropped in. What a hectic time having company and preparing for our trip. But we had a fun. Dorothy and I would keep sneaking off with Johnny.
We went to Alpers again. Our side trip Mammoth ski lift was a big event. On the way back we stopped with Don and Ginny and had our usual good time.
From Virginia Ruffin (Close) EJ’s little Sister:
A few things that came to me overnight: We moved from Iowa City (where
Eleanore and I were born) ,when I was five. That makes Eleanore eight. She
must have anteceded school back there, but I can't remember the name.
Somewhere along that time she was in a play. Perhaps it was at the
University. There is a picture of her onstage. It's a fairly large
photo,)black and white) and must be in Mom's things. It was a big deal in
the family as she was chosen over other kids. We started school at Las?Los?
Cienega on Adams St. West? I believe of LaBrea. I think we were only there
a year (kindergarten for me) until Baldwin Hills was completed. We took a
bus to Cienega (maybe driven and owned by someone from the Village.) Once
Baldwin opened we walked. It was the only time we were in the same school
as she was three years ahead of me . Eleanore, Mom, Lassie, and I traveled
to California by train. It was in 1942 and the train was full of soldiers
and sailors. Mom always said she didn't see much of us girls as the guys
were so happy to see and be around kids they just played and played with us.
I have no memory of this. I do remember Union Station when we got to LA. I
also remember thinking how bright the sun was. Beautiful sunny So. Cal.! I
was told many times that Eleanore was a handful, very willful, and bad
acting, until I came along. Right away, she started to take care of me, and
never let me misbehave the way she had. Mom always said I never got to have
any fun, as my big sister was there to make me toe the line. She was very
ill at one time, got scarlet fever, and had to go stay in West Branch with
Grandma. I believe this was to keep me from catching it. I believe there
was even fear of her death at one point. Good old Grandma Christensen once
to the rescue. Again, these are mostly things I was told and don't really
have a memory of.
I (Ginny) was in Oklahoma when I was
at Dorsey (just the chorus) and Don McGilvray was Curly (the main male
character). Don't really remember Eleanore being in any plays while she was
at Dorsey. She played in the orchestra and I was in the chorus. So maybe
you came to Oklahoma!
Miscellaneous memories:
50th Wedding anniversary at Jo’s in Fieldbrook CA August 12, 2006. Married August 12th, 1956 at St. Paul’s Presbyterian church in Los Angeles.
Fodd’s information: Watts Riot volunteer. Wrote Howard Schaeffer while he was in Korea. Altruistic. Contributed to American Friends Society.
Steve’s information: She got nose bleeds. Bad ones. She was composed and articulate speaking before groups. Leadership abilities. She would pray, eyes closed, with utmost concentration and sincerity.
August 1955 EJ is on a High Sierra hiking trip and VA at Forest Home conference.
October 1955: Probably the most memorable October of our lives. Eleanore and Todd are engaged. We are delighted.
Jan 1956 New Year’s Eve was dull, but New Year’s Day we had a lovely game of Hearts with the Devitt’s and then Monday, the Legal Holiday, we c watched the game at Bev and John’s. John gave Steve a game and he popped in often to play with it.
January 1956 Eleanore and Todd have set a tentative date of August 24th for the wedding.
July 1956 Settling down to working 5 days a week. Steve is attending summer school and taking Junior life saving. Everything centering around EJ’s wedding. Or was until Virginia calmly announced she and Don McGilvary were engaged. They will marry in December. Such an exciting ??
August 1956 Much excitement preparing for EJ’s wedding. So many gifts we were unable to move. The fun of Todd’s coming and goings, and a happy hour when the four gathered in the girl’s room and opened gifts. The four of them each beautiful in spirit and body in different ways.
The wedding in church patio was beautiful and unlike any other. There were between 4 & 5 hundred people. Both Aunts were here, Elspeth and Dagny. T and EJ went camping in the High Sierra, then back to load up to go to Kentucky. The Sunday they were back we took Elspeth and Mother to Bartholow’s for dinner and then all to Tennysons to help sort wedding gifts. Then Mr. and Mrs. Todd Tennyson went to Olive Hill, Ky to teach in a Methodist Missionary school.
Started headlong into PTA after a vacation in the High Sierras at the Alpers. We had a good time there but enjoyed the ride home by Lake Isabella and then into the mountains on a very narrow road. The mountains and forest were beautiful.
Enjoying Don and Ginny’s romance after first shock. Kink appreciates his prospective son in law.
November 1956 Pam and I have had much fun talking about our children. We had one happy afternoon addressing wedding invitations. And somewhere along that time I went with Ginny and her bridesmaids for their fittings. Carolyn Whistler, Barbara Black and Betty Ludwig? Were all excited and we had a memorable time.
December 1956 Besides Nursery school and PTA we were caught up in the excitement of wedding preparations and Bestamore: trip to the hospital. First she had a fall. Then on Ginny’s wedding day she had a heart attack and we rushed from the hospital to the wedding.
Ginny and Don were married December 15 in the afternoon. The wedding was simple and lovely. They had their apartment already. And they received so many needed things for thanksgiving.
We joined the Ross Loos clinic.
Eleanore is pregnant. They spent Christmas ant the Hales and it was fun to get new of how she looked and was from them. The baby is due in May.
In January (1957) we had quite a production for Dad’s (Wilmer Christensen) birthday. People kept surprising him all day long. He was much pleased.
I believe it was in February Don and Ginny sprung the news that Don was giving up school and they were moving to Tulare. He is being transferred by the Auto Club. We’ll miss them, but they seem happy about it.
April 1957 Ann Small’s wedding was Saturday the 13th. I missed Eleanore terribly. Went to reception alone.
May 1957 And still more trouble and tragedy. Eleanore and Todd’s little boy was born dead May 2nd, the day after E.J’s Birthday. We called her when she came home. Our lovely daughter took it in her stride. They’ll be home soon.
June 1957 Celebrated Mom and Dad’s Wedding anniversary with Helen and Grey, Hans and Dolores, and Eleanor Nopar.
Don and Ginny came down for Bill Lopers and Carol F’s wedding. Eleanore and Todd were back and living in a house his parents found for them. So I proudly went to the wedding with my 2 daughters. They both looked beautiful in totally different ways. Don seem fine and how I love that Todd.
It was good to have EJ and Todd stopping in. We only got to their house once. Their stupid parakeet died after they had been here a week and EJ had an air of tragedy about her for awhile, but when they left she had her bubbling, happy nature back.
Curio their cat is as much of a personality as Cleo, Ginny and Don’s dog and equally spoiled.
July 1957 We spent a really happy Fourth in Tulare. Todd and Eleanore came up too. We had a nice motel with swimming pool and everyone got to use it. Had a picnic where we 3 women got stuck with all the food, equipment and 1 dog. EJ kept Va and me from blowing up. But it really was good having our family all together as well.
Bestamore is adjusting. Elspeth came out and spent some time in May. In May I received a flag for service to the Republican Women. The presidents were here and we celebrated with Screwdrivers.
August 1957 Todd went to Catalina for 2 weeks. EJ came down and spent a weekend with us. They left the last of August. We told them good-bye several times. First by phone then they came by on their way and their car broke down so they stayed all night. Finally the next morning we said good bye and they did get off. We all hate for them to go back. Life there is pretty dreadful, however they are wonderful people.
On Labor Day weekend 1957 Larsen’s came up for the holiday and Chal casually dropped in. What a hectic time having company and preparing for our trip. But we had a fun. Dorothy and I would keep sneaking off with Johnny.
We went to Alpers again. Our side trip Mammoth ski lift was a big event. On the way back we stopped with Don and Ginny and had our usual good time.
From Virginia Ruffin (Close) EJ’s little Sister:
A few things that came to me overnight: We moved from Iowa City (where
Eleanore and I were born) ,when I was five. That makes Eleanore eight. She
must have anteceded school back there, but I can't remember the name.
Somewhere along that time she was in a play. Perhaps it was at the
University. There is a picture of her onstage. It's a fairly large
photo,)black and white) and must be in Mom's things. It was a big deal in
the family as she was chosen over other kids. We started school at Las?Los?
Cienega on Adams St. West? I believe of LaBrea. I think we were only there
a year (kindergarten for me) until Baldwin Hills was completed. We took a
bus to Cienega (maybe driven and owned by someone from the Village.) Once
Baldwin opened we walked. It was the only time we were in the same school
as she was three years ahead of me . Eleanore, Mom, Lassie, and I traveled
to California by train. It was in 1942 and the train was full of soldiers
and sailors. Mom always said she didn't see much of us girls as the guys
were so happy to see and be around kids they just played and played with us.
I have no memory of this. I do remember Union Station when we got to LA. I
also remember thinking how bright the sun was. Beautiful sunny So. Cal.! I
was told many times that Eleanore was a handful, very willful, and bad
acting, until I came along. Right away, she started to take care of me, and
never let me misbehave the way she had. Mom always said I never got to have
any fun, as my big sister was there to make me toe the line. She was very
ill at one time, got scarlet fever, and had to go stay in West Branch with
Grandma. I believe this was to keep me from catching it. I believe there
was even fear of her death at one point. Good old Grandma Christensen once
to the rescue. Again, these are mostly things I was told and don't really
have a memory of.
I (Ginny) was in Oklahoma when I was
at Dorsey (just the chorus) and Don McGilvray was Curly (the main male
character). Don't really remember Eleanore being in any plays while she was
at Dorsey. She played in the orchestra and I was in the chorus. So maybe
you came to Oklahoma!
Miscellaneous memories:
50th Wedding anniversary at Jo’s in Fieldbrook CA August 12, 2006. Married August 12th, 1956 at St. Paul’s Presbyterian church in Los Angeles.
Fodd’s information: Watts Riot volunteer. Wrote Howard Schaeffer while he was in Korea. Altruistic. Contributed to American Friends Society.
Steve’s information: She got nose bleeds. Bad ones. She was composed and articulate speaking before groups. Leadership abilities. She would pray, eyes closed, with utmost concentration and sincerity.
