Eleanor Church

Eleanor "Ele" Church, 75, passed away on December 24, 2016 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Throughout her life, Ele loved animals, travel, dinners with friends, and all music. On December 13, 1941 Ele was born in Yonkers, New York as Patricia Anne Jerry to her birth parents, Barbara P. Jerry and William H. von Schondorf. After birth, Ele was adopted and renamed Eleanor Carol Crivy by her adopted parents, Fanny and Morty Crivy. Ele earned two Master's degrees and taught first grade for ten years in New York. Ele worked at Soledad Prison since 1982 and held several key positions throughout her career. She retired as Correctional Counselor II (Specialist) on 12/31/99. In 1973, Ele met her birth family for the first time. Their reunitement inspired her to become a published author. Ele is survived by her sister, Toni Lee von Schondorf-Armstrong; her cousin Carol Bratman; stepdaughters, Patricia Decker, husband Mark and their two children; Sandra Neider and husband Terry; and goddaughter Jessica Lynn Boles. A wonderful family from Peace of Mind Dog Rescue has adopted Ele's beloved dog, Yoda. The Celebration of Life Service will be held at 2:00pm on January 28, 2017 at the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula, 4590 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, California 93923. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Ele's name to: Peace of Mind Dog Rescue P.O. Box 51554, Pacific Grove, CA 93950 Service Information