FARMINGDALE – Eleanor Worthing (Chase) Cyr, 94, of Farmingdale and Glenburn, died March 27, 2009, at an Orono health care facility, after a five-year battle between age and a brain tumor. She was born Aug. 17, 1914, in Augusta, to Malcolm and Annie Chase. Eleanor graduated from Cony High School in 1932 and Nasson Institute, Springvale, in 1934 with a certificate in secretarial services. Eleanor joined Augusta Players Theater Group in the 1940s, where she eventually played leading lady opposite the gentleman that would become her lifelong leading man, Aril W. Cyr of Madawaska and Augusta. They were wed Jan. 11, 1947, in Augusta. Eleanor was employed at Augusta City Hall for four years and the Maine State Department of Education for six years as a fiscal auditor. She took 10 years off to raise her children and then returned to work as a bookkeeper and secretary for the superintendent of schools in the Hall-Dale school system. She went on to work as an account clerk IV in the Maine State Department of Taxation, where she retired in 1987 after a total of 35 years in state service. Her love of reading inspired membership in various book clubs throughout her life and once in retirement, led her to join the Literacy Volunteers of America. She relished teaching adults to read and write and she also served for a time as the organization’s treasurer. Other favorite memberships included Community Concert Association during the 1950s, service as a Cub Scout Den Mother in the 1960s, Kennebec Historical Society and several humane societies throughout the U.S. Eleanor’s great love of dogs allowed her a lifetime of joyous ownership, with her favorites being her Sheltie, Larry, and her beloved Bernese Mountain Dog, Chase. She was predeceased by an infant son, Barry A. Cyr in October 1947; and her husband, Aril in June 1987. She is survived by two sons, Dana A. Cyr of Farmingdale and Marc A. Cyr of Hallowell; her daughter, Carla L. Cyr of Glenburn; two grandchildren, Tyler J. Cyr of Gardiner and Meredith K. Cyr of Hallowell, and their much loved mother, Jacqueline Cyr of Augusta. She will be missed by her friend of 30 years, Belinda Brunfelt; and by Eli’s sidekick at Orono Commons, Mim Cohen. Eleanor is now rejoicing with her lifelong friend, Marjorie Nason. Well done mom, well done. The family expresses their thanks to the staff and volunteers at Orono Commons Nursing Home who made her life better. We are grateful for your kindness, attention to her needs and for joining in the laughter that so flowed with her sense of humor. A special thanks to her buddies, Allyn Weaver and LaWanda Tanner, whom she loved dearly. Relatives and friends may visit 6-8 p.m. Monday at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, One Church St., Augusta, where a funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday. Spring burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery, Augusta. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.khrfuneralhomes.com. The following poem appears at her request: When I quit this mortal shore And mosey ’round this earth no more, Don’t weep, don’t sigh, don’t grieve, don’t sob, I may have struck a better job! Don’t go and buy a large Bouquet, For which you’ll find it hard to pay, Don’t stand around me looking blue I may be better off than you!!
ELEANOR CYR
