Eleanor Haberkamp (nee Weber), 95, passed away on April 18th at her home. Eleanor was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend and neighbor. She has joined Harold, her beloved husband of over 60 years whom she has missed terribly since his passing in 2005.

Memories of Eleanor will be cherished by her children Dr. Dorothy (Dr. Gordon) Air, Fred (Penny), and Dr. Thomas (Dr. Betty); Emily, widow of son Paul, and her husband Robert Miller; grandchildren Amy (Pete) Pepiton, Dr. Ellen Air (Dr. Randy Seeley), Dawn (Ken) Kolman, Natalie (Jairus) Paulus, Michael, and Anneliese; great-grandchildren Grace & Caroline Pepiton, Justin & Tyler Kolman, and Eloise Paulus. Eleanor was preceded in death by her sister Dorothy, son Paul, and grandsons Alan & Brian.

Eleanor was born in Chicago on September 15, 1922, to Anna and Frank Weber. She lived all of her life in Chicago except for two years during the Great Depression when she went to live with her beloved aunt, Sister Clement Marie, SSND, in Sun Prairie, WI. Eleanor never forgot the kindness and generosity of the sisters who saw her through that difficult time.

Eleanor's Catholic faith shaped her life. She had been a member of St. Benedict Parish since 1927. Over the years she spent countless hours volunteering at the church and school, taking on many leadership positions. She was proud that all of her children were St. Ben's graduates. Eleanor and Harold loved to dance and could really cut a rug. In 1951, Eleanor and Harold founded Columbia Metal Spinning Company, which is now run by her eldest son. Many of the employees there today started working at Columbia as young men and became part of her family. Eleanor faced many health problems during her life, but defied the odds with her iron will. She was a wonderful cook who always looked forward to celebrating holidays with her family and friends. Her Kentucky Butter Cake has an avid fan club. Despite crippling arthritis, she knitted sweaters and blankets for many, many babies. Once Eleanor was your friend, you could count on her for life.

Visitation will be on Sunday, April 22nd, from 4-7 p.m. at Grein Funeral Home, 2114 W. Irving Park Road. Funeral Mass will be Monday, April 23rd, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Benedict Church, 3900 N. Leavitt Avenue. There will be a brief ceremony at St. Joseph's Cemetery in River Grove. A luncheon will follow at Hanging Gardens, 8301 W. Belmont Avenue.

Donations in memory of Eleanor can be made to The Little Sisters of the Poor, 2325 N. Lakewood, Chicago, IL, 60614.