Obituaries

February 23rd, 2024

Eleanor T. Lemire, 95, of Wilmington, Delaware, formerly of Bryn Mawr, passed quietly in her sleep after a brief illness on February 20. Eleanor was the second daughter of John J. O’Donnell and Louise Doyle O’Donnell. A graduate of St. Thomas of Villanova school, Eleanor later worked as a bookkeeper at the Suburban Water Company of Bryn Mawr and then at the Pennsylvania Railroad in Philadelphia.

It was while on a walk down Lancaster Pike with her sister, Dee, that she met the love of her life, Donald Lemire, a Villanova freshman. Incredibly, Dee also met the love of her life, Gene Samartino, at that same time. Eleanor and Donald were married for 60 years. She and Don were avid golfers and fans of Philadelphia sports, especially the Eagles. Eleanor was happiest when in the company of her family, especially grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters, Marie (Dee) Samartino and Jacqueline (Jackie) Forrester.

She is survived by her children, Nancy Lemire Ward, Donna Lemire Curtis (Robert), Donald Lemire Jr (Terry), her grandchildren Bridget Ward, Carolyn Ward, Michelle Curtis, Leslie Lemire (Isaac), Thomas Ward II (Jennifer), Donald Lemire III (Katherine), and her great grandchildren Thomas, Maisie, and Milo.

Her services will be held at St. Helena’s Church (602 Philadelphia Pike Wilmington, DE 19809) on Saturday, February 24th 10 – 11am visitation with a mass to follow. Burial will follow at St. Joseph’s on the Brandywine cemetery.