Eleanor Clara Fox (McClure, Gay)

Eleanor Clara Fox (also known as Eleanor C. McClure and Eleanor C. Gay) of Rochester, MI passed peacefully at home into the presence of her Lord on February 12, 2026, at 7:24 a.m., at the age of 84 in Ypsilanti, MI surrounded by her loving children.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held in Ypsilanti, MI in late spring. More details to come.

Born on May 19, 1941, in Detroit, MI to Mr & Mrs Thomas A. McClure (Beatrice Clark). She is preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Thomas J., Michael C., and Dennis W. McClure; and her beloved husband, Leonard F. Fox, whom she married on September 3, 1960. One surviving brother, Lawrence D. McClure.

Eleanor and Leonard built a beautiful life together, raising two children who were the joy of her heart. From two children came fourteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren -a legacy of love that continues to grow.

She is lovingly survived by her son, Leonard F. Fox (Kimberly) of Wesley Chapel, FL, and their children: Marie L. Sampat (KJ), Cynthia Smith (Mike) Leonard Jr “Leo” Fox (Gabriela), and Ryan C. Fox (Koren).

She is also survived by her daughter, Lisa M. Nix (Nathaniel) of Ypsilanti, MI, and their children: Nathaniel A. Nix (Samanta), Joshua C. Nix (Sara), and Elysia L. Nix-Hall (John).

Eleanor was a lifelong woman of faith. She was a devoted member of The Apostolic Church of Auburn Hills from childhood, where she loved teaching Sunday school and faithfully assisting with dinners and fundraisers. In 2016, after the passing of her beloved husband Leonard, she moved closer to her daughter and became a member of PineView Church. Wherever she worshiped, she quickly became involved, serving wherever she was needed. Her radiant smile and cheerful disposition blessed every congregation she was part of and will be greatly missed.

A gifted artist and seamstress, Eleanor had an extraordinary ability to see beauty in what others might overlook. In her younger years, she became acquainted with Patricia Nimics and began traveling the country teaching seminars and classes in Bread Dough Art. She also taught at the Birmingham Community House. Her artwork has been displayed around the world, but her greatest joy was teaching others how to create beauty for themselves.

Even in her final days, her heart remained focused on others. She was concerned about feeding everyone around her and asked for silk flowers so she could create “just one more thing.” That was Eleanor -always giving, always creating, always loving.

Her final moments reflected the way she began motherhood -surrounded by the two children she first held in her arms. She was tenderly cared for by her son and daughter as she peacefully took her last breath.

Her childlike faith in God was her driving force and anchor in this life.

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
— Philippians 3:20

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, creativity, generosity, and unwavering love.

“Well done, good and faithful servant."