Obituary – Eleanor Cannon

After 90 fulfilling years of life, Eleanor Cannon passed away in the early morning of March 28, 2021, at Beth Sholom in Richmond, Va.

Eleanor, affectionately known as “Gram” by her grandchildren, was generous, adaptable, and tough as nails. With a great sense of humor, she could make the most of any situation. Eleanor was happiest surrounded by her family with a glass of chardonnay in her hand and her homemade red scarf around her neck. With the ease of a teenager, she often had her iPad in front of her so she could read, play “Words with Friends,” Snapchat her family, and keep up with friends on Facebook.

Eleanor was born in Hanover, W.Va., on July 10, 1930. Raised by her grandmother, she grew up in a small house with no electricity or running water. She had fond memories of fishing and swimming (and even bathing) in the creek, picking blackberries that her grandmother would use to make cobbler, and skating on the frozen creek. Eleanor graduated from Baileysville High School at age 16 having skipped forward a grade. After attending business school, she began working as a clerk in Charleston, W.Va., at C&P Telephone, which she referred to as “the phone company.” Following a job transfer to Norfolk, Va., she met her husband Louis “Lou” Cannon, who also worked at the phone company. After Lou was very persistent in asking her out, the two dated and later married in an intimate ceremony in Norfolk on October 23, 1953. Eleanor was preceded in death by Lou, her husband of 45 years.

After retiring from Phillip Morris, she enjoyed having more time to crochet, volunteer with “From the Heart,” cook (she was a marvelous cook), read, garden, and dote on her grandchildren.

Eleanor is survived by family members who loved her dearly including two sons, Wayne and Douglas (Mason); two daughters-in-law, Nancy and Anne Marie; and five grandchildren, Audrey, Max, Dennis, Henry, and Finn.

Family and friends are invited to join in a casual gathering in memory of Eleanor “Gram” Cannon. Drop in for hors d'oeuvres and fellowship between 4 and 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 13th at the historic Walkerton Tavern, 2892 Mountain Road, Glen Allen, Va.

In lieu of flowers, Eleanor’s family asks for donations to From the Heart Stitchers.