- Eleanor Jane Moore Bathgate, 87, Bellefonte, died peacefully at her home Monday, Oct. 24, 2005. She was born Nov. 11, 1917, in Howard. She was the daughter of the late Claude and Nora Stitzer Moore. She is survived by her sister, Mary Elizabeth Evey of Bellefonte. She was preceded in death by a sister, Jeanette. Eleanor graduated from Howard High School in 1935, as class valedictorian, and then from Lock Haven Normal School (now Lock Haven University) in 1937, immediately commencing her teaching career at Henderson School in Jacksonville, with 12 students in Grades 1-12, all in one room. For the next two years, she taught elementary students in Lemont. Following the years at Lemont, she began teaching first graders in Bellefonte, while living in Howard, where she played piano and organ at St. John's United Church of Christ. She completed her teaching career at Bellefonte Elementary in 1978, cumulating 42 years of teaching. In 1955, she married her high school sweetheart, James W. Bathgate, and moved to Bellefonte, raising his two surviving sons, Thomas A. Bathgate of Abington and Robert J. Bathgate of Chagrin Falls, OH. Eleanor loved teaching first grade, building a foundation of learning with children and making a lasting, positive impact on the starting student. Her students were her pride, and she always recognized them at first sight, with a big smile of admiration, even after decades of their growth. Her family was always amazed at her meeting her students everywhere, often, and with love. She used to say that teaching has to be more than a job; it has to be a commitment, a passion. In addition to her sister and two sons, Eleanor is survived by four grandchildren, Phoebe Atkinson of Cleveland, Michael Bathgate of Chicago, Meredith Ouimette of Durham, NC and Bradley Bathgate, serving his country in Iraq. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Cindy Cowan of Port Matilda, Sonna McDevitt, Elaine Ebeling, Bonnie Leathers, Jared Evey and Eleanor Hutsky, all of Bellefonte; and Cynthia Nicosia of State College, along with numerous great-nephews and nieces. Eleanor and her husband Jim enjoyed nearly 17 years of healthy retirement in which they traveled together, golfed at Nittany County Club, was active in Bellefonte historical activities, and enjoyed their family. Eleanor buried her beloved husband "Jas" in 1995, after just celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary. Eleanor was an active member of Eastern Star, the National Educator's Association, the Pa. Association of School Retirees, Business and Professional Women, and the Bellefonte Woman's Club, where she was a lifetime member. She was also an active member of the St. John's United Church of Christ of Bellefonte, where until her death, she regularly participated in weekly Bible studies. Service Saturday, Oct. 29, at St. John's United Church of Christ, Bellefonte, Rev. Anne Smith officiating. Burial at Schenck's Cemetery.
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| Oldest Known Ancestors |
Paternal Line: Agnew Moore, b. 16 Jan 1829, Walker Township, Centre County, Pennsylvania, United States  d. 28 Dec 1892, Missoula, Missoula County, Montana, United States Maternal Line: Magdalena Bressler, b. 2 Jun 1833, Logan Mills, Clinton County, Pennsylvania, United States d. 19 Aug 1915, Howard, Centre County, Pennsylvania, United States |
Our Family History
1917 - 2005 (87 years)
