Obituary of Eleanor M. Willson

Eleanor M. (Topliff) Willson, 96, of East Hartford, beloved wife of 55 years to the late Donald W. Willson passed away peacefully on November 18, 2023. Eleanor was born April 5, 1927, in Manchester. The daughter of the late James Topliff and the late Helen (Sullivan) Ellis and Alan Ellis.

Eleanor attended schools in Manchester CT. She was a past member of the East Hartford Women’s Club. Eleanor enjoyed playing cards for many years with her cherished group of friends. She also enjoyed afternoon “tea-time” with her girlfriends. Eleanor and Don loved to travel, and enjoyed vacationing on Cape Cod and Cocoa Beach, Florida. Above all, her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Eleanor leaves behind a son, Donald Willson II, her daughter-in-law Rita Willson, and her beloved grandchildren D.J., Christopher and Alison Willson, as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

In addition to her husband Don, Eleanor was preceded by her daughter Gail E. Willson, her sister Ethel Whitmore, and her brother James “Buddy” Topliff.

Relatives and friends are invited to the John F. Tierney Funeral Home, 219 West Center St. in Manchester, on Monday, November 27^th for calling hours 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 12 p.m. at St. Christopher Church in East Hartford. Burial will follow at St. James Cemetery in Manchester.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105-1942.