Daughter of Ed and Alice Winkenbach.

Wife of John Joseph Van Loon, Sr..

Mother of Mary Van Loon, Martha Van Loon King, John Joseph Van Loon, Jr., Karen Van Loon Abramo, Jo Anne Van Loon Williams, Elizabeth Van Loon Frazier, Peter Van Loon, Paul Van Loon, and Mark Van Loon.

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Eleanor died peacefully at her home after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Eleanor graduated from Holy Names College in Oakland majoring in speech and drama in 1950. She has been a longtime resident of San Leandro. She was married to husband John (also deceased) for 50 years. She is survived by her five daughers: Mary Van Loon, Martha King, Karen Abramo, Joanne Williams, Liz Frazier, and four sons John, Peter, Paul, and Mark Van Loon. She is grandmother to 21 grandchildren. She was a loving sister to Ed Winkenbach and sister-in-law Peggy.

Eleanor was an active member in St. Felicitas parish. She was a dedicated music teacher at St. Felicitas grammar school for 17 years. One of her great passions in life was the theater and stage. She generously shared her talents to produce countless memorable skits and plays that touched many members of the community. Eleanor will be remembered for her creative energy. She was blessed with the gift of song in her heart and shared that gift freely and unconditionally.

Visitation will be from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, June 18th followed by a vigil at St. Felicitas Catholic Church, 1662 Manor Blvd., San Leandro. Funeral will be Monday June 19th at 9:30 am at St. Felicitas. Burial will follow. Grissom's Chapel & Mortuary 510-278-2800

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My Prayer
By Eleanor Van Loon

I thank God for all of His grace and blessings in my life. For my parents, Alice and Edward Winkenbach, who gave me their boundless love and confidence and for giving me my Catholic education ... For the blessing of a one-of-a-kind husband, John Joseph Van Loon, whose joyful love of faith, family and life filled our lives. His enduring love and admiration for everything I did, set me free to be me. Because he said he never wanted me to be lonely, he left me our children, Mary, Martha, Karen, Jo Anne, Elizabeth, Peter, Paul, and Mark, and the unknown miscarried little ones we'll meet in heaven. These children, as John said, "are the jewels in my crown." John is with me always ... I see him in my children and even in my grandchildren ... For the gift of all the spouses of my children ... For my twenty, so far, grandchildren who have also brought me untold blessings.

For my brother, Ed, who has given me the joy of laughter and always his support ... For his wife, Peggy, who is the sister I have never had, and for his loving family. For my relatives and many friends, loving parishioners and Priests and Sisters of St. Felicitas ... For all those who have touched my life in a loving, positive way ... I thank You God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.