Eleanor Irene Winnemore

Eleanor Winnemore

March 7, 1925 – February 17, 2025

Eleanor Winnemore, a long time Ridgecrest resident, passed away peacefully in her own home, in the presence of loving family, on Monday, February 17, 2025. She was eighteen days shy of her 100th birthday.

Born in Galt, California, to Charles and Vivian Genasci, Eleanor was one of four children – older brother Richard, younger brother James, and identical twin sister Helen – all of whom predeceased her. Growing up in this hard working family, the sisters were extremely close and practically inseparable. Eleanor shared many stories and photos of the twins dressing alike, and sharing just about everything.

After graduating from high school, Eleanor worked in Sacramento for the state tax office. During that time, she decided to pursue a career as an educator, so she worked during the day and rode the bus to her evening college classes until graduating with a degree in education.

In December of 1954, on Christmas Eve, Eleanor was invited on a blind date.  That's when she met the love of her life, Edward Winnemore.  They were married in the Sacramento area six months later.  Edward was working at the China Lake Naval Weapons Center, so the newlyweds settled on the base.

Eleanor began her teaching career with Sierra Sands Unified School District as a homeschool teacher in Ridgecrest.  She enjoyed getting to know children in their home setting as she personalized curriculum for their needs.

Eleanor and Edward started a family in 1957 as they were blessed with their first son, Neil.  Two years later, their prayers were again answered with their second son, Paul. Eleanor loved being a stay at home mom and homemaker. She was able to do so until the boys were of school age. Eleanor then resumed her teaching profession as a first grade teacher in various elementary schools in the district. She remained a dedicated teacher until her retirement in June of 1985.  Post retirement, Eleanor taught English as a second language to adults in the community.

Aside from actively engaging in school functions and education organizations, Eleanor was a supporter of several community groups, often assuming leadership roles.  She was an enthusiastic member of WACOM, Golden Slippers, Red Hat Society, and United Methodist Women, to name a few. Eleanor volunteered at the WACOM Thrift shop weekly for many years. Another volunteer position that was near and dear to her heart was preparing and serving meals for the Upper Room Ministries at the Ridgecrest United Methodist Church on Friday nights.

For many years, Eleanor's social calendar was full with bi-weekly bridge games with friends, home organ group meet-ups and play sessions, Women's group luncheons, and 3M bible study forums.

When her beloved Edward, to whom she was married for 55 years, fell ill in his late eighties, she was his sole caretaker until his death in January of 2010.

Eleanor's favorite pastime was going on cruises.  She traveled the world on more than 30 cruises, exploring dozens of countries and hundreds of cities.  Her favorites were the Hawaiian cruise where she and Ed celebrated their 25th anniversary, and the Panama Canal trip, which she repeated three times. Meeting new cruise mates, making new friendships, and learning about foreign cultures while participating in numerous excursions became her passion.

In her free time, Eleanor expressed creativity through her hobbies of sewing, needlepoint, playing her organ, and scrapbooking each of her travel adventures.  She lived a Christian life, attending church services every Sunday, practicing her faith daily through devotionals, spiritual readings, and silent prayer.  She lived a full life, appreciating the joys each day offered.  Eleanor was truly an inspiration to all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Eleanor is survived by sons Neil (Cheryl) Winnemore and grandson, Kevin Winnemore; Paul (Deena) Winnemore; and an extended family of nieces and nephews.

It is Eleanor's wish to be remembered in life, and she requested there be no funeral or memorial service.  As such, the family will conduct a private inurnment. She also stated her preference that remembrances be made by charitable donations (rather than with flowers, cards, etc.)  If you would like to make a donation in Eleanor's memory, her preference is that you do so by check to:

Ridgecrest UMC
639 N Norma Street
Ridgecrest, CA 93555

Or electronically through the RUMC Vanco link:
https://secure.myvanco.com/L-YRQD/home

Please designate the donation to the church memorial fund or Upper Room Supper ministries.