Eleanor Corinne Vetrano

celebrated her 100th birthday at her home on May

13, 2021. Family members and close friends were present to honor her on this very special occasion. Letters from President Bill Clinton, Governor Asa Hutchinson and Governor Greg Abbott were received congratulating her on her 100th birthday. Governor Hutchinson congratulated her “from one Razorback fan to another” and Governor Abbott commissioned her as “an Honorary Texan.” She also received an Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis in her honor. Eleanor was born to William Clarence Sanders and Ora Mae Sanders in Columbia County, Arkansas on May 13, 1921. Her only sibling, Clarice Cloud, lived to the ripe old age of 98. Eleanor was known as “Corinne” to her family. Although she was born on Friday the 13th, her life debunked the superstition that Friday the 13th was an unlucky day. She is a blessing and a joy to all who know her.

Eleanor attended Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia, Arkansas where she sang in the choir, satisfying her love for music. She later moved to Texarkana, Texas and began work at Red River Arsenal, now Red River Army Depot. She was employed for 34 years until her retirement. Co-workers lovingly nicknamed her “Precious.”

While employed at the Arsenal, Eleanor was introduced by a good friend and co-worker, Mary Grant Vetrano to her brother-in-law, Alexander Vetrano. Michael, Mary’s husband, was Alex’s brother. Eleanor and Alex married on August 5, 1950 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Eleanor has been a member of Sacred Heart for 71 years. She and Alex had four children, twin sons Larry and Jerry, and two daughters, Becky Vetrano Fitzhugh and Sandy Vetrano Blair.

At the age of 67 Eleanor obtained her driver’s license. It was at this point in her life that she became a “Going Jessie,” as she is referred to by her family. Equipped now with an automobile, Eleanor would drive to the mall and became one of the “mall walkers” walking 2-3 miles, never missing a day. This was easy for her to do because she was never sick a GD\ LQ KHU OLIH :DONLQJ ZDV QRW VXIƓFLHQW IRU KHU VR she included “Jane Fonda’s Aerobics” into her daily routine.

Eleanor loved music and dancing. When she discovered a line dancing class for seniors, she became involved with the SPICE dancers (Seniors Participating In Community Events). “I Just Want to Dance with You” by George Strait was her favorite song, but Charlie Pride was her favored recording artist.

Neither knee replacement nor hip surgery in her later years kept her down. She delighted in demonstrating to her physical therapist exactly how fast she could get around with her walker. She prided herself with her agility that many people younger than she would ƓQG KDUG WR GXSOLFDWH

Her hobbies were sewing and reading (when she was not walking or doing her aerobics). When she was working, she made all her clothes as well as her daughters’ and, occasionally, her sons’. She continues to enjoy reading, particularly Danielle Steel, and she has read the Bible cover to cover “probably 100 times” to quote her.

Eleanor’s goal was to celebrate her 100th birthday. With her positive attitude, determination, and the Good Lord willing, the family believes she will be celebrating another birthday in 2022. She is truly most “precious” to her family. HAPPY100th

BIRTHDAY!