Eleanor V. Doran

Doran, Eleanor V. (Deschenes) - Of Needham (North Hill), formerly of Wellesley and Sagamore Beach, February 16, 2011, in her 98th year. Born in 1913 in St. Albans, VT, Eleanor was the daughter of Helen (Chagnon) and Edmund Deschenes. She was a longtime resident of Wellesley and lived there until recently when she moved to North Hill in Needham. Since 1952, she enjoyed summers at her beloved Sagamore Beach surrounded by her family and friends. Her husband of 57 years, George J. Doran died in 1994. Her brother John J. Deschenes, of Burlington, VT also predeceased her. She leaves five children, Mary F. Doherty and her husband George F. Doherty Jr. of Dedham, Barbara D. Sullivan of Sagamore Beach, Kathleen Hegenbart and her husband Joseph Hegenbart of Boston, John J. Doran and his wife Susan Fisher Doran of Wellesley and George J. Doran Jr. and his wife Nancy Parry Doran of Wayland. In addition she leaves 12 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Eleanor graduated from Villa Barlow Academy, St. Albans, VT and Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart in Purchase, NY. She was an avid bridge player and golfed until she was 90 years old as a member of Woodland, Nehoiden and White Cliffs Country Clubs. She loved to take art classes. Her works are displayed in her home and the homes of her children. Eleanor will be remembered for her competitive spirit which she instilled in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She dedicated many afternoons and evenings with them keeping score over hotly contested card and board games. She enjoyed watching them on the soccer field or tennis court. Due to her husbands passion for spectator sports, Eleanor attended outdoor sporting events more than most women her age. She was a season ticket holder for both the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox often attending spring training, the All-Star Game and the World Series. She and her husband enjoyed watching the Celtics as members of the Garden Club. Back in the 50s, Eleanor introduced the writing of poems to celebrate family special occasions. The tradition is carried on to this day with two Volumes now in print and one in process. Her daughter Barbara recalls that they were usually simply rhymes but with memorable punch lines and often celebrating our less than best moments. Eleanor was a longtime communicant of St. Pauls Church, Wellesley. Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St. (Rt.16) WELLESLEY, was held on Monday in St. Pauls Church, Wellesley. She was much loved and admired by her family and friends and will be missed by all. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Doran Computer Room at St. Pauls School, 502 Washington St. Wellesley, MA 02482. Online guestbook and directions at . Arrangements by George F. Doherty & Sons, Wellesley. www.gfdoherty.com