Eleanor L. Mortensen

Eleanor LaVon Mortensen passed away in Vacaville surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, June 5th.
Eleanor was born in the family home in Benicia and was a lifelong resident. She attended local schools and graduated from Benicia High School in 1950. After attending Solano Junior College she married Bob Mortensen and raised her four children in the town she loved. She worked for the Vallejo Unified School District as a bookkeeper and accountant for over 26 years, retiring in January of 1998 to focus on her many interests.
Her favorite thing was spending time with her family and "Nan" loved being around her grandchildren and watching them participate in their favorite activities. She was always up for watching a baseball game at Maria or Fitzgerald Field or wherever else they were playing.
Eleanor loved to travel and would never turn down an opportunity to embark on a trip or a cruise wherever that might take her! Her house and her kitchen were always open to the many friends of her children & grandchildren. She loved sharing a conversation over a cup of tea and a sweet treat whenever she had the chance. Nobody was happier to see you than "Miss Ellie"!
"Miss Ellie" was a true Benician who loved her daily walks in the State Park with friends and "Dragging the Main" as often as possible.
She was a lifelong member of the Community Congregational Church, a former member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls and very active in the Mother's Club while her daughters were in Rainbow Girls. She was a lead member of the infamous Benicia High School Reunion Committee that held numerous class reunions and monthly luncheons, finally slowing down around the 70 year reunion!
Eleanor is survived by her children Kimberly (Terry) McInerney, Bob (Angela) Mortensen, Gordon Mortensen & Karen (Chris) Bidou, her seven grandchildren Kellyn Knight, Erik Knight, Christian McInerney, Emily Bidou, Andrew Bidou, Justin Mortensen and Travis Mortensen. Her Step-grandchildren Kimberly Heiniger, Zack Heiniger, Natalie Heiniger & Jake Heiniger and many nieces and nephews.
Her family would like to thank her two dedicated caregivers Cathie & Peta, who brought so much joy and love to her life over the last several years and took such remarkably good care of her while keeping her safe and happy.
She was preceded in death by her parents Roy & Leah Sargent, her brothers LaVern, John, Donald & Urban and her grandson Michael Bidou. Also her BFF's Joycie & Ollie Sowers, Jim & JoAnn Mortensen and Al Campas.
Services will be held on Friday, June 14, at 11:00 am at Passalacqua Funeral Chapel, 901 West 2nd Street, Benicia.