Eleanor Hermanson

Eleanor (Peters) Ridgeway Hermanson died peacefully on Saturday, 6 July 2002 at Lawrence and Memorial Hospital in New London, CT. Her roots were in Yutan, Nebraska where her family moved from Riverside, CA when she was a year old. She received her B. A. from the University of Nebraska and later her M. A. in child psychology from Columbia University. A teacher for many years, she resided in Willimantic for 28 years, where she was married to Willis Ridgeway until his death. She later married Robert W. Hermanson and moved to Old Saybrook, where she lived for 33 years, surviving her husband by 15 years. Eleanor spent her last few years as a resident of Bridges at Crossroads in Waterford, CT. To the end she retained her quick wit, quiet humor and kind heart. She was a voracious reader, liked bridge and crossword puzzles, enjoyed dining out with family and friends, and was an avid Nebraska Cornhusker football fan. She also enjoyed traveling, especially with her sisters and took great pride in being able to say she had visited all 50 states and several countries abroad. Eleanor was also predeceased by her parents, John N. and Laura (Hullhorst) Peters, her sisters, Pauline Peters, Ruth D. (Peters) Wagener, Joanna Peters and Carol (Peters) Joyce, and her brothers, Hubert H. Peters and John Frederick Peters. She is survived by a stepdaughter, Cheryl A. (Hermanson) Olsson, Linkoping, Sweden, two stepsons, William G. Hermanson, East Lyme, CT and Richard R. Hermanson, South Windsor, CT, four step grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews. Calling hours and graveside services are private with arrangements being handled by the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. Willimantic, CT 06226. Donations in her memory may be made to the Town of Old Saybrook Fire Department, Attn: Fire Chief, 302 Main St. Old Saybrook, CT 06475.