Eleanor Lind, age 102, died on July 5, 2024, ending her centenarian-journey at Maggie’s Place in Colonial Village, where she had lived the past two years. She was born Eleanor Restione on December 10, 1921, in New York, NY, to Giuseppe “Joseph” Restione and Tersilla “Teresa” Restione (nee Carbone), who immigrated from Italy around 1911. Eleanor grew up in Wood-Ridge, NJ. Known to her school friends as “El”, she graduated from nearby Rutherford High School in 1939. An East Coast girl, she loved the Jersey Shore, and returned numerous times after moving away, bringing her Midwest family with her.
Following high school, she attended secretarial school and then worked in downtown New York City, for William R. Warner and Co., and subsequently for Hoffman-La
Roche, Inc., in Nutley, NJ. During WWII, as part of the war effort, young women were encouraged to write soldiers to keep up morale. Eleanor was asked if she would correspond with a soldier from Kansas who was friends with, and in the same outfit as, her sister’s husband. The correspondence lasted through the war years, and Eleanor got to know this Kansas boy through their letters. When the soldier returned stateside in May of 1945 (the month referred to in their favorite song, “I’ll Be With You In Apple Blossom Time”), the two finally met in person and immediately fell in love. On June 12, 1945, at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Kansas City, KS (KCK), Eleanor and Stanley L. Lind were married. Their union would last for 73 years. Stan brought his new bride to Lawrence, KS, where he attended KU Law School. Coming from the East Coast, Lawrence was somewhat of a culture shock to Eleanor, who commented that she couldn’t even find a pizza!
Upon Stan’s graduation, the couple moved to KCK where they raised their family. They had two boys, Geoff and Rick. In 1957, they settled in the Welborn area of KCK. Eleanor was the quintessential Mom, always volunteering to be Homeroom Mother at school; baking after-school snacks; driving her boys to their sports activities; and later serving as school librarian at Stoney Point South Elementary. In the late 1970’s, Eleanor and Stan built their “dream home” in Lenexa, Kansas, which remained their residence for over 40 years.
Eleanor built her life around family, friends, food, and faith. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother (known as “Nonnie” by her grandchildren), who treasured time spent with her family. She also had many dogs over the years, and she loved them as cherished family members.
Eleanor and Stan had many friends and they loved to socialize and travel. They were known for their parties, including their 4th of July celebrations, where family and friends were entertained at their house with food, drinks, and Stan’s annual reading of the Declaration of Independence and a firing of his carbide cannon. Eleanor, ever the extrovert, was involved in many activities over the years including the Sisterhood of P.E.O., bridge groups, and as a hospital volunteer. She was an outstanding cook, loving to feed family and friends. She was known for, among other things, her spaghetti sauce and oxtail soup. Visitors could not leave her house without eating something.
Christian faith was an important part of Eleanor and Stan’s life. They had accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and were active members of the Community Covenant Church of Lenexa.
Eleanor was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Stan, who died on March 15, 2019; her sister Eva Menzies and brother-in-law, Ian Menzies; her twin brother Raymond Restione; her son Geoffrey Edward Lind; and numerous in-laws. She is survived by her son Richard Joseph Lind (Julie) of Overland Park, KS; her grandchildren Geoffrey Edward Lind, Jr. (Travis), New York City; Laura Elizabeth Kovacs (Brandan), Leawood, KS; Andrew James Lind, Rapid City, SD; great-grandson Charles Landon Kovacs; and sister-in-law Marilyn Restione, Cape May Court House, NJ; plus numerous nephews, nieces, and other extended family, including her namesake, niece Eleanor Joy Lind, Orcutt, CA.
By all accounts, Eleanor Lind had the strongest will to live that many had ever known, becoming an inspiration to all that witnessed her endurance and “never give up” spirit.
The family gives many thanks to the staff and caregivers at Maggie’s Place and Ascend Hospice, who gave Eleanor loving care her last two years of life.
Eleanor will be laid to rest at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens, KCK, in a private family ceremony. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations to: The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, 5445 Parallel Parkway, Kansas City, KS 66104; Ascend Hospice, 4550 W. 109th Street, Unit No. 210, Overland Park, KS 66211; or Community Covenant Church, 15700 W. 87th Parkway, Lenexa, KS 66219.