Eleanor Marian Cross, 91

Eleanor Marian Cross, 91, of Almont, died peacefully at home in the loving care of her family on September, 20, 2024.

Eleanor lived a full and rewarding life that included family, artistry, faith, many hobbies and activities. She was born in Warren, MI, welcomed as the first child of John and Ruth (Huckle) Choinski, followed by her brother, Graydon. They lived modestly, everyone pitching in to help with the family owned gas station and market. With the unexpected death of her father when she was just 12, Eleanor had an early lesson in heartbreak and perseverance. Throughout her life she displayed remarkable stoicism and unfailing fortitude to get things done, but also had a smile, a laugh, and probably a fresh baked treat to share if you stopped by.

Eleanor attended Warren Consolidated Schools, Little Flower High School for Girls, and graduated from Clawson High School in 1950. Her work life began at Michigan Bell Telephone Co, but soon moved to motherhood and farming. She married Allen B. Cross on February 10, 1951, and over the years they raised nine children, from a small home in Rochester, moving on to farms in Armada and Berville, where they maintained dairy operations as well as crops. The challenges were many, and Eleanor’s unwavering strength was evident in how she met them all head on and worked hard without complaint. She set an example for her children that would see them grow into productive, resilient individuals, yet this did not come at the cost of fun. The Cross kids will always greet you with a ready smile, and no shortage of entertaining stories.

Eleanor was a member of the National Farmers Organization, a 4-H volunteer, and also devoted her talents to crafting many outfits for their children, playing piano, and gardening. Eleanor and Allen eventually settled in Allenton and spent time in Florida as well. Allen passed away in 1998 and Eleanor made her last home in Almont.

Throughout her life, Eleanor’s faith was important to her. She was a member of St. Mary Mystical Rose Catholic Church in Armada for 23 years, participated in the Altar Society, and taught Catechism for 5 years. She joined St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Allenton in 1985, and was a member of their Altar Society and a past secretary.

Not one to sit still, in her later years Eleanor became an Exercise Instructor at the Allenton and Armada Senior Centers, in addition to being a long-time volunteer at the Village Rehabilitation and Care Center in Armada and serving as Treasurer on her HOA Board. She enjoyed line-dancing, joined a bowling league and started playing golf around the age of 70, and while she decided to retire from any work obligations at the age of 80, her last trip to the golf course was at 89 yrs old. She never stopped loving to play cards, Rummikub, Scrabble, and spending time with family.

Her artistry throughout her life developed in playing piano, sewing, sketching and painting. She gifted loved ones over the years with these talents, with many dresses made, sketches or paintings thoughtfully crafted with the recipient in mind, and even played piano for caroling at what would be her last family Christmas party in December 2023.

Eleanor will be greatly missed and is celebrated by her nine children: Michael (Lori) of Lapeer, MI, the late Douglas (Maggie) of Fort Gratiot, MI, Jenine (Frank Jr.) Pichler of Washington, MI, Francine (Robert) Uhlianuk of Dryden, MI, Edgar (Susanna) of Riley, MI, Clayton (Karen) of Capac, MI, Sally of Almont, MI, Marian (John) Koch of Weidman, MI, and Gina (Chris) Ferraro of Chicago, IL. Beloved by 25 grandchildren: Adam, Alaina, Andrew, Patrick, Daniel, Dennis, Darren, Sarah, Laura, Adam, Amanda, Emily, Karl, Abbie, Jake, Noah, Eli, Carlos, Raquelle, Michelle, Kacie, Kelly, Jeffrey, Tyler, and Luca; their spouses and 37 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, son, and brother.

Visitation for Eleanor will be Wednesday, September 25, 2024 from 2 to 8 p.m. at Tiffany-Young & Hauss Funeral Home, 73919 Fulton St., Armada. A funeral mass will be held Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 10 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 883 Capac Road, Allenton. Burial will be at West Berlin Cemetery in Allenton, Michigan.