Eleanor Bernard Alexander
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Eleanor Bernard Alexander, 94, of New Oxford, Pa., formerly of Cochranville, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 under the care of Brethren Home at Cross Keys in New Oxford.
She was the widow of the late Maurice W. Alexander, Jr. who passed away in 2014 after 67 years of marriage.
Born in Chester County, Eleanor was the daughter of the late Mary Elizabeth (Trumbower) and Rev. Leroy Bernard. She was a graduate of Avon Grove High School.
A resident of Cochranville from 1942 to 2015, Eleanor was a member of Cochranville United Methodist Church, where she served as Church Organist, and Director of the Children's Choir. She was a homemaker and beautician, operating her beauty shop at home.
In the span of 40 years, Eleanor and Maurice were foster parents for 157 children. In 1992, they received their first foster care award given by Chester County Children, Youth and Family. Now called "The Alexander Award," it is given by CYF each year to the person in the system who best exemplifies what the agency is looking for in a foster parent. The Alexanders received recognition from several local and state dignitaries and a letter from President George W. Bush. Concerning her work in Foster Care, Eleanor said, "It has been the greatest privilege to be foster care parents .... If I could live another life, I'd do it all again."
Eleanor is survived by her daughter, Linda Lee Punchard, wife of Mark, of Gettysburg, her daughter-in-law, Susan McGeehan Alexander of Newark, DE.; and grandchildren, Shawn Alexander, Kristin Wolanski, wife of John, E. Mark Punchard Jr., husband of Jenny, and Stephanie Punchard; and seven great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her two sons, Wesley and Bernard Alexander.
The Memorial Service will be held on Monday, March 18th, 2019 at 11 AM at Cochranville United Methodist Church, 92 Church Drive, Cochranville, PA followed by interment in the Cochranville United Methodist Cemetery. Visitation will be from 10 AM until the time of service.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com
Condolences
Mrs. Alexander was a
Mrs. Alexander was a wonderful woman. I was her case manager with her last foster baby. She and Mr. Alexander were wonderful, kind people. My condolences to her family.
I was in bible study with
I was in bible study with Eleanor for many years. She was a joy to know and a blessing to all of us! Most of all she loved her Savior, Jesus and always witnessed to everyone she met.
Sorry for your loss. She was
Sorry for your loss. She was one of my favorite people. Eleanor and my mom, Marion Bernard Robinson, would tell stories of their fun times as children & adults, each blaming the other for silly ideas or getting into trouble. Pam
Sending love and prayers
Linda. I'm sorry for your loss. I met your mom and dad as landlords in their apartment house. We became good friends I. I visited them well after they sold the place and I later moved.i truly loved them. They surely loved all their babies over the years . it didn't matter the age,race or religion.I pray for His peace and love for your family during this time. I am so thankful that we'll all met again in heaven.
A beautiful soul
If everyone could have 1% of the compassion, kindness, and generosity Mrs. Alexander had, the world would be an incredible place. She touched so many lives and will be missed deeply, but the love she gave can never be dimished.