Eleanor A. Grovdahl, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, died Dec. 25, 2004. Eleanor was born in Oak Harbor on June 5, 1926, to Peter and Lillian Anderson. She lived in Oak Harbor until the family moved to Startup in 1940. There she met Harvey “Bud” Grovdahl. They were married Nov. 7, 1943, just before Bud shipped out for Europe with the US Army. After graduation from Sultan Union High School in 1944, Eleanor went to work for Boeing as a riveter, contributing to the war effort.

Eleanor was a full-time mom and homemaker until her sons were in high school. She and Bud settled in Dugualla Bay, where she worked for Dean Anderson and Marion and Lorna Christensen, doing farm work including working with poultry and managing a crew of blueberry pickers. She was an excellent cook and baker. Her biscuits were a family favorite and were the mainstay of every holiday and social gathering. For many years, she and Bud were active in the Whidbey Island Gem Club and with the Old Time Fiddlers, which provided entertainment to nursing homes from Seattle to Bellingham. Eleanor was a member of the League of Women Voters, Whidbey Island Democratic Club and a volunteer at Island Thrift. She was a member of the First Church of Christ Scientist in Boston, Mass., and the local Christian Science Society.

Eleanor is survived by her son Steven and his wife Judy of Spokane; son Stan and his wife Chris of Oak Harbor; and son Stuart also of Oak Harbor along with their children and grandchildren. In addition she leaves behind her brother Dallas Anderson and his wife Peggy; brother Murray and his wife Jean; sister Charmian Lander; and uncle Miriam Christensen together with many cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Bud in 2001.

Services are to be held at a yet undetermined date and time so family and friends may gather to celebrate Eleanor’s life. Remembrances may be made to Island Thrift, Habitat for Humanity, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements were entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel in Oak Harbor.