Eleanor M. Denko

Eleanor M. Denko

GRANITEVILLE – I passed away on October 13, 2021, at the age of 84 from complications of Alzheimer’s.  My memory was failing over the past few years, but let me tell you about happier times.

I was born in Northfield, Vermont on September 18, 1937, to Sheldon and Madeine (Granger) Murray.  I grew up in Moretown and Williamstown with my two brothers and three sisters.  I graduated from Williamstown High School in June of 1956 and married my sweetheart, Donald Denko on August 25, 1956.  He passed away on December 3, 2020.

I lived most of my married life in Graniteville.  I enjoyed camping, cooking, snowmobiling, gardening, quilting, and spending time with my family.  I was a stay-at-home mom for many years, raising three wonderful children that I am so proud of.  When I did go back to work, I chose working in the kitchen for the Abbey Group at Barre Town Elementary School for 21 years.  I was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Graniteville, and I was involved with the Friendship Forum, Session and annual dinners.  My famous popcorn balls were sought after every Halloween.

I leave behind my children, Dawn St. John of Sumter, SC, Deborah Shedd and her husband, Evared, of Barre, VT and Alan Denko and his wife, Amy, of Holland, MI; my grandchildren Sarah York and her husband, Pat, Matthew Shedd and his wife, Kelsie, Laura Maselli and her husband, Keith, and Jessica Denko.  I also leave behind eight great-grandchildren, as well as my sisters Polly Washburn and Sandra Ferno and my brother Steven Murray.

Besides my parents, I was predeceased by my brother Edwin Murray and my sister Elsie Zufall.

I would like to thank my caregivers Kelsie Shedd and Rose Doney.  They took very good care of me after my husband passed, making these last months very meaningful and now, I am with him at last.

A graveside service to honor a celebrate my life will be held on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. in the Wilson Cemetery in Barre Town.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Graniteville, P.O. Box 40, Graniteville, VT 05654.