Obituary of Eleanor Mae Jenks

Chestertown: Eleanor Mae Jenks, 89, of Igerna Road, passed away, Saturday, June 3, 2006 at the Glens Falls Hospital following a long illness. Born May 1, 1917 in Schenectady, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Olive (Nelson) Acome. She graduated from New Hartford Central School and attended Plattsburgh Normal School, but decided teaching was not for her. Eleanor married Bernard E. Jenks on May 17, 1942 in Fort Ann. The couple resided in Schenectady the majority of their marriage, where Mr. Jenks owned and operated Bernie’s Plumbing and Heating business in Niskayuna for over 30 years. Her husband referred to her has “gal Friday” at the business. She joined the NYS Federation Home Bureau and held offices at all levels at the Charter, County, District and State over a 17 year period. She also taught sewing at the Schenectady Girl Club. Eleanor and Bernie moved to the north-country following his retirement in the late 1970’s. Eleanor joined the Adirondack Tri-County Health Care Center Auxiliary and later became a life member. Her accomplishments also included President of the Warren County Home Bureau, Secretary for Gore Mt. Senior’s Club and President of the Warren Co. Council of Seniors. Many will remember her for her 15 years as Tour Director with the Gore Mt. Senior’s Club. She arranged many day and overnight trips which were enjoyed by many area travelers which included trips to Branson, MO, Atlantic City, Niagara Falls, Lancaster, PA and many more. Eleanor was chosen Warren County Senior Citizen of the Year in 2001. Her husband passed away on September 13, 1998 after 56 years of marriage. Her cousins, Ralph Gibbs and Robert Windall have both predeceased her. Survivors include her cousins, James Leo Monroe and his wife, Pierette (Pete) of North Creek, Harry Monroe and his wife, Nancy of North Creek; sisters in law, Norma Jenks of Ft. Ann, Lillian Jenks of Kingsbury, brother in law, Wilber Jenks of Poughkeepsie; nieces and nephews, Curtis, Robert and Judy Jenks, David, Donald and Richard Jenks, Diana, Loren, Dale and Fred Jenks and their families; close friends and neighbors, Bob and Sharon Clark and Luther and Greta Grimes of North Creek. Funeral services will be conducted 2 pm Tuesday at the Alexander Funeral Home, Inc, 4479 State Rt. 28, North River with James A. Baker, Sr. officiating. Friends may call one hour prior to the funeral service at the funeral home. Burial will take place in the Brant Lake Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Association of the Blind, the American Cancer Society or to Adirondack Tri-County Health Care Center, Building Fund, North Creek, NY 12853. Please visit www.alexanderfuneralhomes.com for online guest book, condolences and directions.