Eleanor Judith McColgan, loving, generous heart
Eleanor Judith McColgan, 80, passed away in the comfort of her home Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Eleanor was born Oct. 26, 1942, daughter of the late Nelson “Friday” Grier, and Nellie (Crossan) Grier.
Eleanor was a graduate of Corpus Christi High School in Elsmere. She married the love of her life, John J. “Jack” McColgan, who remained by her side for 58 years. Eleanor was a loving mother who made it her life’s work to raise her three sons to be honorable men. She was their biggest supporter in all their endeavors, sports, school, and all other life events.
Eleanor always found joy in spending time with her family, especially with her grandchildren. She was undoubtedly their biggest fan and best audience. Her laugh was contagious and would bring a smile to anyone’s face (family or otherwise). With a generous heart full of boundless love and energy, her family will always strive to remember and emulate her character throughout their lives.
Throughout her years, Eleanor enjoyed spending time with her many nieces and nephews, the ladies' bowling league, gardening, going to lunch or the casino with her dear friends, and always praying for those in need of spiritual strength.
In addition to her husband Jack, Eleanor is survived by her three sons, Daniel F. of Wilmington, John J. and his wife Noelle of Millsboro, and Joseph P. and his wife Lorie of Orlando, Fla..; her six grandchildren, Sean, Erin, Claire, Quinn, Grace and Graham; her sister, Teresa Lenkiewicz; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her four sisters, Marie Walters, Audrey Wade, Marianne Giofre and Janie Ciabottoni; and her four brothers, Thomas Grier, Francis Grier, Robert Grier and Joseph Grier.
Services will be private.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Eleanor’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, raise.stjude.org/EleanorMcColgan.
Visit Eleanor’s Life Memorial webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
