Eleanor J. Bader

1922 - 2013

Eleanor J. Bader

Virginia Beach

Eleanor Johanne Bader died in her home at Westminster Canterbury in Virginia Beach on Saturday, October 12, 2013. She was born in Wilmington, Delaware on March 15, 1922, the daughter of John A. Bader II and Eleanor Antweiler Bader. Predeceased by her parents; her brother, Francis A. Bader; her sister, Anne Bader Gregory Inscoe, Eleanor's survivors include 5 treasured nephews, 2 beloved nieces, and two additional generations of their offsprings.

After graduation from Ursuline Academy in 1940, she attended the University of Delaware receiving a BS in Health and Physical Education. Eleanor attended the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Medicine, receiving her physical therapy certification in 1946. She was a founding member and Executive Director at the Delaware Curative Workshop, one of the nation's 40 community-based comprehensive rehabilitation centers. She was a member of the Board of the Delaware Examining Board of Physical Therapists, the Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation, and the Delaware Society for Crippled Children and Adults. She was Chair of the Welfare Council's Equipment Loan Service. She served as president of the Pilot Club, treasurer of the Delaware Field Hockey Association, and advisor to Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She was a founding member of the International Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, and President of the National Rehabilitation Association's Region II, representing New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Eleanor moved to Chicago to the headquarters of the National Easter Seal Society as program consultant and administrator of programs from 1962 to 1972. She moved to Baltimore and worked in the Social Security Administration until 1985. She received commendations including the Commissioner's Citation in 1978. In 1984, she was named a Switzer Scholar at Columbia University, recognizing individuals in the field of rehabilitation. She retired from federal service as Special Assistant to the Associate Commissioner for External Liaison. Since retiring to Virginia Beach, Eleanor volunteered for many organizations, including the Cancer Care Foundation, the Virginia Opera Association, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and WHRO. She was a member of the Virginia Opera Association's State Board of Directors and its Hampton Roads Board of Governors, and the past president of the Virginia Opera Guild.

A memorial service will be held at Westminster Canterbury at 2:30 PM on Saturday, November 23rd, with a reception to celebrate her life immediately following. Special thanks to the Hoy Center and the Westminster Canterbury Hospice for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Virginia Opera Association, P.O. Box 2580, Norfolk, VA 23501-2580.