In Memory of Eleanor May Hart McLean

August 30, 1925 - January 14, 2019

Resided in New Hartford, NY


Visitation

No Visitation

Service

New Hartford Presbyterian Church

45 Genesee St.

New Hartford, NY 13413

Cemetery

Waterville Cemetery Association

110 Berrill Ave

Waterville, NY 13480


Obituary

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Eleanor May Hart McLean of New Hartford, died January 14, 2019 at the Masonic Care Community.

She was born August 30, 1925, daughter of Gardner Orris Hart and Dorothy Francis Birdsall Hart in Utica NY. Graduated from Waterville High School in 1943 and Skidmore College in 1947 with a major in business.

Eleanor worked in Utica for Utica Savings Bank, and was Assistant to the Director of the Munson-Williams-Proctor Institute.

Eleanor married Bruce Charles McLean on June 18, 1949 in Deansboro, NY. He predecessed her in 2009.

Bruce and Eleanor (now mainly known as Lea – an abbreviation made on her freshman nametag by her Skidmore roommate who wanted her to have a nickname) made their first home in Ithaca where she helped Bruce through law school, then moved to Utica where she began raising her family. They later moved to New Hartford, and retired to homes in Brantingham NY and Englewood FL before returning to Prestwick Glen in New Hartford and Masonic Home in Utica.

She is survived by sons Gardner (Lynn) McLean - Skaneateles, NY; Gregory (Cynthia) McLean - Clinton, NY, and daughters Deborah (Walter) Hameline – Colts Neck, NJ; Jennifer (Christopher) McLean-Bove –Pittsford, NY. And by grandchildren: Carolyn (Christopher), Kathleen (Bradley), Kristen (Scott), Kelly (Joseph), Gregory II (Megan), Victoria, Alexandra, Charles, Christopher Thomas and Allyson. And by great-grandchildren William and Jack. She is also survived by a sister-in-law Shirley Hart and brother-in-law Douglas (Mary). She was predeceased by a brother James Hart.

Lea was a member of the Junior League of Utica, holding many positions including President. She was a member of the Board of Trustees of the New Hartford Presbyterian Church, Board of Directors of Planned Parenthood of Utica, Board of Directors of Family Services of Utica, Board of Directors of Utica YWCA, Board of Director and officer of Faxton Hospital Council. At the New Hartford Presbyterian Church, she also was an Elder and Clerk of the Session, in addition to member of Woman’s Association and Circles. She also was a board member of the Preswick Glen Resident’s Association.

She had been a member of the Brantingham Golf Club, the Yahnundasis and Sadaquada Golf Clubs, where she was President of Women’s Golf committee.

Eleanor enjoyed crocheting, needlepoint, gardening and bridge.

As the children started to move away, she worked for several years at the Doyle Knower Company in New Hartford.

The family extends their thanks and appreciation to all of Eleanor’s caregivers at Preswick Glen and Masonic Care Community.

A Memorial Service for the family will be held on April 13th 2019 at the New Hartford Presbyterian Church. Interment will be at the Waterville Cemetery. There are no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, please consider the Bruce C. and Eleanor H. McLean Fund in care of the Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, 2608 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13502.

Arrangements are in the care of Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, New Hartford.