Obituary of Eleanor Gronau

Eleanor "Nana" Gronau 104 of Solvay, NY passed peacefully at home Monday, December 9, surrounded by family. She was a graduate of Solvay High School where she met and married the love of her life, Freddy. As a girl, she often helped out at the family's grocery store and later she was employed by Varden Studios where she hand colored black and white photos. However, her most important job was her family. She dedicated her life to her family unconditionally. Eleanor was an avid card player. She belonged to Bridge clubs for over 50 years and played well into to her 90's. She was quite the shark. When she wasn't cleaning up at Bridge you could find her at home. She just loved being home, taking care of her family, cooking big meals, baking, completing the daily crossword and playing the piano. She was a wonderful piano player and played often. Her favorite time of year was fall and she loved her annual ride out to the apple orchards to get apples for her pies. Oh her pies....and cakes. They always had a hard-to-duplicate magic in them. 

Eleanor is predeceased by her husband, Frederick Gronau and 3 brothers, Angelo, James and William Charles.

She is survived by her brother, Nicholas Charles of Camillus; her son, Robert Gronau (Susan) of The Villages, FL; 3 granddaughters, Cindy Duff of Tampa, FL, Kristie Moore (Kevin Sims) of Clay, NY and Lisa Willson (Darryll) of Calhoun, GA and her great-grandchilden, Sean Moore, Brittany Willson, Nolan Willson and Kyle Duff. 

It was a group effort providing everything she needed for her to stay at home. If you so wish, donations can be made to AccessCNY. The family is grateful for all of their help and guidance. 

The family is honoring Eleanor's wish to not have a viewing. A burial and a Celebration of Life are being planned for the spring.