Eleanore Craig Towe

Eleanore Craig Towe, devoted wife, mother, friend, and Nana, left this life on August 25, 2025 at the age of 87 in her home, Windmont, in Round Hill, Virginia.

Eleanore Adele Craig was born in The City of Brotherly Love to Howard Lee Craig and Ella May Eastwick, and was the younger sister to H. Lee Craig, Jr. Eleanore enjoyed growing up palling around with her adored younger cousin, Larry Eastwick, escorted by their Aunt Charlotte most often to the cinema followed by Howard Johnson's for ice cream sodas. Later her father's job required relocations to Baltimore and then Richmond, Virginia where she met and married Dr. James L. Towe who eventually settled the family in Loudoun County, Virginia. Eleanore made several cherished life-long friends while attending Mary Washington College, Northern Virginia Community College and George Mason University. Her life was greatly shaped by her friendships, her love of learning, writing and the creative arts.

Eleanore's commitment to her community influenced her to be a life long member of the League of Women Voters. After raising her kids she joined a group of like minded citizens and embarked on a second chapter of life causing good trouble. She could see the changes coming and got involved helping create the Round Hill Area Citizen's Association. ET, as Eleanore was known during her political career, was elected to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors representing the Blue Ridge District in 1995 and re-elected as the Vice Chairman in 1999. Grocery shopping with her was amazing! She talked with everyone. In the last year, a lady asked her: "you used to be an important person. Right?" She thought that was so funny!

She also took special pleasure in helping adults learn to read during her years volunteering with the Loudoun Literacy Council. During her time serving on the Board of Supervisors, she was most proud of her work on establishing 28 schools in Loudoun County, establishing Franklin Park and working to keep western Loudoun RURAL.

ET adored her grandchildren and being addressed as "Nana" even by their friends. Nana loved devotedly, warmly, generously and playfully. She made Windmont the place young and old alike enjoyed "hanging out". Always eager to host a cast party, or her bridge club, she loved for family and friends to gather around her table or chopping block sharing stories and often breaking out into song. She loved to feed everyone. Her breakfasts were amazing not to mention her delicious chicken and dumplings. She never gave up her love for "the movies" and reveled in travel, especially to NYC to take in Broadway shows, and San Francisco to visit her cherished cousin Larry and "Her Golden Gate Bridge".

She loved hugs.

Left with wonderful memories are her children: Jeanne and Burton Seitler, Kathryn and Steve Zumbaugh, James Halsey, Larry and Stephanie Towe and her grandchildren: Steve Zumbaugh, Jack, Craig, Andrew and Bella Towe, and her very devoted, loving, goldendoodle, Lady.

"Wherever a beautiful soul has been, a lasting impression remains....

When someone reaches into you so deeply that you are forever changed...

That which resonates on and on... with eyes closed wide open...

To be celebrated whenever the catalpa blooms,

Richard Harris sings and Eleanore hears her name whispered... forever." J.S.

The family plans a Celebration of Life later in the fall; date, time and place to be decided.

Eleanore was devoted to many causes. She would love it if in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts be donated to one of her favorite organizations. Please send gifts in her name to:

Loudoun Literacy Council https://loudounliteracy.org

Friends of Franklin Parks Art Center https://www.franklinparkartscenter.org

Foundation Fighting Blindness https://www.fightingblindness.org