HERKIMER---Eleanor J. Hadcock died Saturday, February 4, 2012  at her home in Herkimer, with her oldest daughter and husband, Patricia and Richard Lawrence, granddaughter, Rachael Fisher and great-grandson, “TJ”,  by her side .  She had been a heart patient since 1992, and for several years, failing with dementia. The journey of the “long goodbye”  was so very difficult for us to watch for this woman who was so amazingly strong, but the gift of the years she has lived blessed us.

Eleanor was born in Frankfort, NY on June 24, 1923, the daughter of Earl and Flora Brock Shaul.  The Shauls moved to Herkimer when Eleanor was very young.  She graduated from Herkimer High school in the Class of 1941.

On March 18, 1943 she married George F. Hadcock at First Baptist Church in Herkimer.  George died in 1977 from complications due to Multiple Sclerosis and Cancer.   They enjoyed their life together for the years that they had and family was the joy of their life!

For over 30 years Eleanor worked as a Deputy County Clerk for Herkimer County, retiring in 1978.

Eleanor is survived by 3 daughters, 14 grandchildren, and   21  great-grandchildren:

Patricia and Richard Lawrence, who lived with her these last years,  and their children Rachael, Sarah, Rebekah, and Leah, as well as the  5 Lawrence  grandchildren;

Jane and David Carrico of Parkersburg, WV, and children Lisa, Amy, Timothy, Matthew and Adam, as well as the 7 Carrico grandchildren;

Nancy and Buddy Mayle of Culloden, WV, and children Brian, Caryn, Jana, Alissa, and Patrick, as well as the 9 Mayle grandchildren, with one more to be born soon.

Eleanor is also survived by her younger brother and his wife,  Richard and Carole Shaul of Bradenton, FL.   She was predeceased by her older brother, Everett Shaul and a nephew, Daniel Holleran.

She leaves 14 nieces and nephews and their families, sisters-in-law Catherine and Carol Hadcock,  cousin Joan Matteson, other extended family members, and very good friends, especially Eileen Chapman,  Mary Falk, and Henry Bray.

Eleanor was a life-long member of First Baptist Church in Herkimer, where for the last 10 years her daughter, Patti, was the pastor-- something which caused her great joy and also great concern!  She was a committed Christian who served in many ways, always helping others.  She held several church offices, positions with American Baptist Churches of NY State, and was

known for her delicious dinners, especially roast beef.  Her strength of faith has been the guiding foundation for her family as she lived out her days trusting in God’s love for all of us.  She is the one who taught always to go on and do what you are supposed to do.

Eleanor was able to remain at home, with deep dementia, because of the presence of her daughter and husband.  The family is also deeply grateful to the compassionate care of Grace Blais and Rita Treen, who blessed us with their friendship and respite time.  We also cannot say enough good about Hospice and the wonderful  care they gave to Eleanor, especially Bonnie, Georgia, Melissa, Lee, Rev. Jill,  Nurse Judy and Dr. Snow. Without the constant assistance of these gracious caregivers, the struggle would have been so much more difficult.

A service in celebration of Eleanor’s life will be held at First Baptist Church, 105 N. Washington Street, Herkimer on Thursday, February 9 at 1:00 PM.  The service will be led by daughter, Rev. Patricia Lawrence, and son-in-law, Rev. Dr. David Carrico.   There will be no calling hours.  The family will greet friends following the service with a reception in the church dining room.  Funeral arrangements are with Fenner Funeral Home Inc, Herkimer.

Eleanor was insistent that there be “no money wasted on flowers”.   To honor her and George, the family has established the Hadcock Memorial Scholarship Fund at First Baptist Church, for gifts to graduating seniors and college students who are active members of the church.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to First Baptist for this fund, or to the local Hospice, whose amazing work touches so many.

“In our end is our beginning, in our time infinity…something God alone can see.”    (Natalie Sleeth)