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Eleanor Watson truly loved Paola and its residents

Opinion

Written by Brian McCauley

Wednesday, 07 January 2009 09:00

Paola recently lost a true community servant with the passing of Eleanor Watson.

Watson built a successful career for herself as a dietician and business owner, and she did it during a time period when it wasn’t prudent for women to be doing so.

She used self confidence and a stubborn tenacity to overcome life’s stereotypes, and she used those same traits to throw herself into the Paola community. She took stances, such as her fight to save the Paola Community Center, and she stood by them.

As she aged, her body wore down, but her spirit was as strong as ever. She drove to city council and other city meetings until she was no longer able to do so, and then she found rides.

She volunteered at community events, continued to spread diet advice and helped out with Paola Heartland USA, as well as the American Red Cross.

Friend Brenda Wrischnik put it best when she said Eleanor could come across as opinionated at first, but once you got to know her, you couldn’t help but fall in love with her big heart.

“She was my hero,” Brenda said. “She was a champion for this town.”

Eleanor was active until the day she died, showing up to church every Sunday and still finding ways to attend community events, such as her appearance as a judge at this year’s chili cook off on Park Square.

Brenda said Eleanor was one of the last judges left eating chili, and when Brenda plopped down next to her and asked her if she planned to eat all of it, Eleanor simply replied, “Well, I’m going to sit here until I do.”

Eleanor never doubted herself and no one dared doubt her. Longtime Paola residents certainly will feel something missing at community events for sometime. There’s going to be an empty chair during city meetings and an empty spot in the Sunday congregation at Paola Christian Church.

Hopefully, her legacy will not be lost on future generations. When people such as Eleanor give so much of themselves to their community, the quality of life for everyone is enriched.

If all goes well, during Eleanor’s memorial service scheduled for 10 a.m. Jan. 12 at Paola Christian Church, the community will come together to show just how much they loved her too.

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