Eleanor 'El' Alice Simonsen April 1, 1928 - February 4, 2017

After 88 elegant years as a wife, mother, and friend to many, Eleanor Simonsen passed on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Hospice House in Bend. Born April 1, 1928, in Passaic, New Jersey, to William Severus and Marie (Besemer) Kievit of Clifton, New Jersey.

After an early career in New York City as a legal secretary she eventually settled in northern New Jersey to start a family after marrying Warren "Cy" Simonsen. Over the years, the family resided in Connecticut, Utah, and Maine.

A resident of Sisters since 1993, she found the town to be her life-long home and enjoyed the community and the many friends she developed over the decades. Her family wishes to extend their love to everyone who touched her life.

Eleanor is survived by her son, Gregg Simonsen and was pre-deceased by her husband, Warren "Cy" Simonsen; daughter, Kathleen "Apple" Eddy; brother William "Duke" Elbert Kievit; sister-in-law, Mildred Postma of Flemington, New Jersey; niece, Jacquline MCCaully and her husband James of Ringoes, NJ. She is also survived by Warren's first cousin Roger "Si" Simonsen and his wife, Jeanne, of Redmond. Finally, Eleanor is survived by countless friends and dogs who were family - only not related by blood.

Her family wishes to thank the many neighbors and friends who provided her friendship and support helping her to preserve her dignity as her health gradually declined, allowing her to maintain the home she so loved.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, February 11 at 10 a.m. at The Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, 68825 Brooks Camp Rd. in Sisters, 541-549-7087; with a reception in the community hall following.