Elinor "Peni" Echlin

Elinor "Peni" Echlin, age 98, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 21, 2023 in Milwaukie, Oregon. She was born on November 26, 1924 in Ashland, Oregon. Peni was known for her kind and caring nature. She had a beautiful alto voice and could often be heard singing around the house. She was intelligent, patient and always cheerful, never wanting to be a burden to anyone. Peni had a great sense of humor and despite losing her short-term memory later in life, her wit and laughter remained intact.She enjoyed traveling, gardening, mystery stories, completing picture puzzles and solving crossword puzzles.
Peni is survived by her sister, Beverly Nelson (Wayne); her children, Shirley McNamee,Robert Radcliffe and Benjamin Radcliffe (Frances); stepchildren Beth Dorsett and Dennis Echlin; nephew Paul Nelson (Heather) and nieces Diane Nelson (Drak eMitchel), Virginia Hill and Patricia Hamilton; seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Clarence D. Dayhoff; mother,Margaret Rand Dayhoff; brother, Richard M. Dayhoff (1999); husbands, William D.Radcliffe (2021) and C. Ellery Echlin (1989); daughter, Joan Vielhauer (2004); and stepson, Delos Echlin.
Peni's educational journey began at Jefferson High School in Portland, Oregon, where she graduated in January 1942. She then attended Willamette University in Salem,Oregon; here she met her first husband, William (Bill) Radcliffe. They were married on March 19, 1945. Peni's college education was cut short with the arrival of the first of the couple's four children.
After her youngest child started school, Peni took a job with the Portland Public Schools as an assistant cafeteria manager. She found this to be the perfect job as she could be home with her children when school wasn't in session. Peni dedicated twenty five years of her life to cafeteria management, eventually becoming a district manager. She worked hard to support her family. In summers, when there was no income from the school cafeteria, Peni determined that she and her children would go to local farms to pick strawberries, raspberries or green beans, depending on the season. This not only provided extra income but also taught valuable life lessons about family, hard work,responsibility and the pride of earning one's own money.
Peni's faith played a significant role in her life. She was an active member of Woodlawn Methodist Church in Portland, serving as the church treasurer and choir member for many years. After moving to Vancouver, she became involved with Vancouver First United Methodist Church, where she helped publish the weekly bulletin, volunteered at the Share House soup kitchen and sang in the choir until her health declined. Peni cherished the relationships she had with church members and shared her counsel and prayers with any and all.
In 1966, Peni married Charles Ellery Echlin. They moved to Vancouver, Washington in 1968, where she lived for the next fifty three years. In their retirement years, Peni and Ellery often traveled around the United States, visiting family and friends, exploring new places and creating lasting memories. After Ellery's passing, Peni maintained an active lifestyle, exploring the larger world, visiting places like Australia, Greece, Israel, Nova Scotia and cruising thru the Panama Canal. She also joined a gym and continued exercising until the age of ninety three. She attended exercise class three times a week and walked two miles in forty minutes on her off days. And on the seventh day she rested, Sunday was her day of spiritual renewal.
The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation for the loving care provided by Providence Hospice and Ivy Court Senior Living during Peni's final years. In accordance with Peni's wishes, there will be no memorial services. Her ashes will be interred beside her beloved husband, Ellery, in the Fuchsia Room at Wilhelm's Portland Memorial Mausoleum.
Peni Echlin will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her kindness, generosity and unwavering spirit will serve as an inspiration and be remembered and cherished forever.