Eleanor (Ellie) Pearson, age 90, of Escanaba, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 15, 2017 at the Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba. Ellie was born in Lake Linden, Michigan on November 24, 1927 to Nicholas and Jenny (Harju) Hendrickson.

She graduated from Dollar Bay High School and went on to attend Northern Michigan School of Education in 1949. With her degree in hand, she was torn between her love for skating (thoughts of joining the Ice Capades) and her love for teaching.  Choosing teaching, Ellie accepted a first-grade teaching position in Escanaba. But, she quickly learned her skating days weren't over! She joined the many local skaters in the Escanaba Ice Revues and appeared in Life Magazine in March of 1951 which stated, "Schoolteacher, Eleanor Hendrickson not only conducted skating lessons and show rehearsals among her pupils during recesses but also practiced the number she would perform at the show."  With the exception of a few years off to raise a family, Ellie substitute taught and continued to skate well into her seventies.

Ellie married John F. Pearson in Calumet, Michigan on July 21, 1951. Together they raised four children.  Due to diabetes, her husband lost his eyesight in 1974 and a new member of the family arrived.  "Moon", a large golden, Irish Retriever leader dog sparked Ellie's love for dogs. She would walk in Ludington Park winter, spring, summer and fall with her four-legged friends. She enjoyed talking to the other walkers, the birds, and could be seen walking on the ice to check on the fishermen.

Ellie also enjoyed traveling with her dear friend, Ellie Coan, on World Wide Travel's City fall tours. She loved to read, work on crossword puzzles, and enjoy a glass of wine. Ellie was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba.

Eleanor Pearson is survived by her four children, Tim (Merilly) Pearson of Mesa, AZ, Paula (Monte) Morrison of Escanaba, Tom (Cathy) Pearson of Escanaba, and Douglas (Judy) Pearson of Escanaba; grandchildren, Ryan (Heidi) Pearson, Jennifer (Alex) Kim, Tom (Erika) Morrison, Michael Morrison, Nathan (Robyn) Morrison, Ashley (Jarrett) Winkowski, and Matt Pearson; twelve great-grandchildren; sisters-in-laws, Marie and Nancy Pearson; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, John Pearson; and an infant brother.  

A heartfelt thank you to the Bishop Noa Home's Rehabilitation and Assisted Living staff for all the wonderful care given to Ellie these last months.  SISU!

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday, December 21, 2017 at the Anderson Funeral Home in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Eleanor will follow at 5:00 p.m., Thursday, in the Anderson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Erik Heskin officiating. A luncheon will be served afterward in the Anderson Funeral Home fellowship area. Burial will take place in Lakeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials please be directed to either the Delta County Cancer Alliance or the Youth Assistance Program of Escanaba in Ellie’s honor.

As our mother would always say, "Carry On"!

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