Eleanore Spangenberg

Eleanore Spangenberg died Thursday, June 3, 2021 at her residence at Simpson House in Philadelphia, holding the hands of her daughter and son-in-law, Fran and Gene Wayne of Lansdowne, PA.

Eleanore was known by the wonderful staff at Simpson House and many others, as a 101 year-old rock star. Her sense of humor and no-nonsense approach to life got her through a lot and delighted her family, friends, and caregivers. Born to the late Helen (Sherman) Snyder and Edgar Snyder, she was married for 37 happy years to Augustus “Gus” Spangenberg, who died in 1979. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, grandson Eric Wayne (Sara Wayne) great grandson Hunter Wayne, and several loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was an avid gardener and was a founder of The Outdoor Gardeners in the 1950s. The club continues today, still doing many of the activities she and her friends began 65+ years ago. As a child, she enjoyed swimming during summers with family in Atlantic City, and she and her daughter Fran spent summers in Tarzana, California at her parents’ motel, from 1952 until 1966. Eleanore resided in Wyndmoor, PA until 1979. She lived in Center City Philadelphia at Kennedy House for over 32 years before moving to Simpson House Personal Care in 2019. Prior to 1950, she worked as a secretary for the Philadelphia Board of Education.

Eleanore loved a good party, and a remembrance celebration will be held at a later time. She sang as a young woman and loved the music of the 1930s and 40s, as well as classic Hawaiian music.

Memorial donations may be made to Animal Friends of Lansdowne, a community rescue (animalfriendsoflansdowne.org) or to Simpson Foundation Benevolent Fund (simpsonsenior.org/foundation).