Eleanor Bell Kirkner

Eleanor Bell Kirkner, of Honey Brook, PA went to be with her Lord on March 7, 2020. She was 97, just four days shy of her 98th birthday.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of David Henry Bell and Hannah McVickers Bell and the sister of Margaret Yocum and Anne Else.

Eleanor grew up in Philadelphia, PA and later, in Radnor, PA, graduating from Radnor High School. She also obtained a degree from the Philadelphia College of the Bible.

She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them which included many trips to Ocean City, NJ. Eleanor also enjoyed sewing, reading and hosting family dinners in her home.

She married Joseph L. Kirkner in 1943, right before he was sent to Europe during World War II. While waiting for Joe to return and enduring his “missing in action” status, she worked at Travelers Insurance Company in Philadelphia.

Upon Joe’s return, they settled in Berwyn, PA, later moving to West Chester, PA, where Joe took on the pastorate of The Church of Goshenville. As a pastor’s wife, Eleanor hosted many friends and visitors in their home and taught the first grade Sunday School class for many years.

Retirement took them to Malvern, PA where they resided for 20 years. Eleanor then moved to Tel Hai Retirement Community in 2004 and quickly became part of community life there. She loved volunteering in several capacities and received the Volunteer of the Year Award in 2009.

Joe preceded her in death in 1998. She is survived by her son, Douglas L. Kirkner(Carol) of Macungie, PA and her daughter, Dorothy K. Keisling(Paul) of Chalfont, PA. Her oldest son, David A. Kirkner (Pat) preceded her in death in December, 2019. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, Scott, Stephanie, Katie, Abby, Matthew, Becca and Victoria. The oldest grandchild, Erik D. Kirkner (Amy) preceded her in death in 2014. In addition, she is survived by 20 great grandchildren.

Relatives and friends are invited to Eleanor’s Life Celebration on Friday, May 21, 2021 at 3:00 PM at Tel Hai Retirement Community, Stonecroft Center, 4000 Tree Line Drive, Honey Brook, PA 19344. There will be a time of gathering following the service at 4:00 PM.

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