Eleanor “El” Rita (Butkiewicz) Boppel, 79, of Ringtown, formerly of Lancaster, escaped her ravaged, worldly body on Sunday, December 3, 2017. She faced the next stage of her existence peacefully in the loving arms of her daughter, Susan. Her passing is a true blessing for her having suffered for 19 years from Huntington’s Disease.
Eleanor leaves behind her husband: John Carl Boppel and five daughters: Linda Boppel (Tom Didyoung); Susan Boppel Marks (Tom); Maryann Weiss (Bryan); Denise Clear (Michael); and Joan Lahr, whom all loved Eleanor deeply, but are happy she is now free. Eleanor was blessed with eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. One sister-in-law: Genevieve Butkiewicz She was born in Mount Carmel, to the late Stanley and Anna Kimsal Butkiewicz. She was preceded in death by her eight brothers and sisters, and her beloved grandson: Derek Lee Weiss.
Eleanor did a bang up job of raising five children to be independent “can do” women. She instilled in them the ability to get things done, taking charge and be creative. It was nothing to find Eleanor out climbing scaffolding, painting the house, chopping down trees, or creating a homey environment by refinishing and reupholstering discarded furniture. While Eleanor was not the greatest cook, she kept her family well fed and inspired her daughters to learn how to cook. Eleanor threw a mean Christmas party for 40+, made custom wedding dresses for family and friends, and knew the meaning of every word of the Word Power section of the Reader’s Digest. She was vibrant, loved life, loved hiking and biking, cross-country road trips, root beer brewing, wine (aka vinegar making), fasnacht baking, pinochle, and aerobic dance parties in the living room. Eleanor loved her brothers and sisters with whom she had lifelong friendships, and we hope that they are together again. First and foremost though, Eleanor loved her babies-children and grandchildren alike, and was in her glory taking care of the babies. Eleanor,while not a confidant, shopper, or coddler, showed her love to her children by tender nurturing.
Momma/Nana always made toast and tea, and gave the children a gentle touch, letting them know that she wished she could take away their illness. In later life, she showed her love by helping with the grandkids, helping with college, and shoveling out multiple cars in the midst of a blizzard to enable her daughter’s wedding day to go on as planned, amongst many other practical displays of love. We will miss you, Mom and are grateful to you for helping us become the women that we are.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Eleanor’s name to the charity of your choice or consider supporting Huntington Disease Research. A final thought: Life is short, live it to the fullest and embrace every day with joy and love, or as Eleanor would say (and do) “Life is short, eat dessert first”.
The Time of Remembrance will be held at the Workman Funeral Homes, Inc., 114 West Main Street, Mountville on Sunday, December 10, 2017 at 3:00 P.M. with Pastor Gary S. Griffith, officiating. Friends may call from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M. To send an online condolence, visit the condolence page.