Eleanor Margaret LaPonsie

Eleanor Margaret LaPonsie died from complications of lung cancer on Friday, February 8, 2008 in Linden, Arizona surrounded by her family. She was 83. Eleanor was born on July 3, 1924 in Rochester, Michigan to the late Fred and Eleanor (Shaw) Hammond. She married her longtime sweetheart, James Harold LaPonsie on June 15, 1946 in Rochester, Michigan. As a young woman, Eleanor worked several years for General Motors in Pontiac, Michigan manufacturing automobile parts. However, during World War II, General Motors shifted their operation and helped the war effort by manufacturing airplane parts. Eleanor was proud to be able to serve her country in that capacity. In 1959 the LaPonsie family moved to Glendale, Arizona where James served in law enforcement. In 1962 they moved to Phoenix and then to Tucson in 1969. There they remained for 29 years. During that time, Eleanor was a devoted wife and mother to her family and thoroughly enjoyed spending her time with them. In 1976 James was able to retire from his dedicated service in law enforcement, and the LaPonsies were able to travel quite extensively throughout the world; a time together they always cherished. In 1998 they moved to Linden, where she has since resided. James preceded her in death on April 16, 2006. Eleanor is survived by her 4 daughters: Linda LaPonsie (Bob McGraw) of Shumway, Arizona, Susan LaPonsie of Tucson, Arizona, Janice LaPonsie of Show Low, Arizona, Brenda Wilson (Chip) of Linden, Arizona; 2 sons: Charles LaPonsie of Tucson, Arizona, James LaPonsie of Ohio; 5 grandchildren: Jennifer, Amy, Andy, Teena, Alex and 6 great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Howard and 2 sisters, Gladys and Anna. Family and friends are warmly invited to a Memorial Gathering that will be held at the LaPonsie Family home, 1092 Cedar Drive in Linden, Arizona beginning at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, February 16, 2008. Contributions, in her name, to RTA Hospice and Palliative Care, 1789 W. Commerce Drive, Lakeside, Arizona 85929, have been suggested by her family.