| Graduation Year | Class of 1941 |
| Date of Birth | Apr 25, 1923 |
| Date of Passing | Nov 25, 2019 |
| About | Died in Peoria, IL. Buried / interred in Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria, IL |
| Events | Eleanor Ruth Colan, 96, of Peoria, IL, peacefully went to be with her Lord on Friday, October 25, 2019 at Lutheran Hillside Village in Peoria. She was born on April 25, 1923 in Omaha, Nebraska to Claude M. and Ethel D. (Kerr) Howell. Eleanor married William Francis Colan on November 19, 1944. He preceded her in death in 2008. Three sisters and one brother also preceded her in death. Surviving are four sons, Richard (Jeanne), Mark (Joan), Patrick, and Philip (Beth); three daughters, Christina (Paul) Sullwold, Cynthia (Robert) Wegner, and Claudia (Willem) Van Dijk; twelve grandchildren, and seventeen great grandchildren. Before marriage Eleanor (Elli) worked as a dental assistant and was a clerk at the Union Pacific Railroad in Omaha. She served in the Navy W.A.V.E.S. until the end of World War II. After marriage, she was a busy stay-at-home mom for 25 years. Throughout her years as a member of the Catholic Church, Eleanor served as Eucharistic Minister, lector, and choir member. She also served as Extra-ordinary Minister at OSF St. Francis in Peoria and was a member of Cursillo. After earning an Associate Degree in performing arts at Illinois Central College, she became a ballet instructor at the College. She was also active in the Peoria Civic Ballet serving as its secretary, president, stage manager, and producer throughout the years. Eleanor performed on stage and behind the scenes with Peoria Players, Corn Stock Theatre, Peoria Civic Opera, Caterpillar Productions, Illinois Central College, and the Peoria Civic Center Theater. She also appeared in television commercials and in print. In her retirement time at Hillside Village, she was active as a line dancer, a chorus member, and many other activities. A celebration of life service will be held at St. Jude Catholic Church, 10811 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, Monday, November 4, 2019 at 11 am with visitation the hour prior, 10-11 am. Interment to follow at Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria. |
