Eleanor Morison Stadler

Dr. Eleanor M. Carlson Stadler 10-12-1907 to 6-14-2009 Dr. Eleanor Stadler passed away in her home in Gig Harbor on June 14, 2009. She was 101 years of age. Eleanor Morison Marks was born October 12, 1907, in Newburgh, New York. She spent her early childhood there with her mother, Clara Marks, her father, Lambert, her elder sister, Janet, and younger twin brothers, Lambert and Robert, all of whom preceded her in death. The family traveled west by train, settling in Los Angeles, California in 1911. Her mother was a schoolteacher and placed a high value on education. Eleanor attended UCLA, and then graduated from the USC Dental College in 1930. A pioneer career woman, she worked as a dentist for Los Angeles County Public Health Department and private dental practices. Professionally, she worked on early dental fluoride research projects. She enjoyed spending her free time traveling and took several cruise ship tours. Eleanor married Albert Carlson in 1938 and they moved to Seattle, where Stephen was born. They did some “frontier living” on the Olympic Peninsula. There Albert worked as a timber cruiser on a secret project for the war effort. The family moved to Roseburg, Oregon in 1944 where Margaret was born. Albert died in 1949. Eleanor had been working part time sharing a dental office, but set up her own practice when Albert died. For the rest of her life she maintained “A good education is the best insurance a woman can have!” Eleanor married Joe Stadler in 1952. Joe and his daughter, Judy, along with Eleanor, Steve, and Margie formed the Stadler family. During her career Eleanor was a leader in the dental association and the women’s advocacy group Zonta, serving in a variety of positions, including president in both organizations. While continuing her professional education she also set up and taught workshops for dental assistants to raise their skill level. She and Joe moved to their retirement home on the Umpqua River 1965. After Joe’s passing, Eleanor moved to Gig Harbor in 1990 where she was active in several volunteer organizations including FISH, Breast Cancer Support group, and several groups within Agnus Dei Lutheran Church. She was a Godly woman who enjoyed doing several forms of needlework including hardanger, knitting, and crocheting. She enjoyed sharing her talents with others. Eleanor cherished her family and her many friends that she made through her numerous activities in Gig Harbor. She is survived by her children Stephen (Dianna) Carlson, Margaret (Tom) Callahan, and Judy Stadler Wright, by six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Cancer Society, FISH Food Bank, or a charity of your choice.