Eleanor Mary Ayers

Ayers, Eleanor M.

Age 76, of Bonita Springs, FL and Edina, MN passed away on Monday, March 4, 2024.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Kathryn Yoa.

Eleanor is survived by husband, Merrill; sons, Andrew (Jess), Douglas (Kathryn); sister, Jeanne Reese (David); grandchildren, Alexandra, James, Jonathan, Clay and Daphne.

Eleanor was born and raised in Philadelphia PA. She graduated from Chestnut Hill College and received an M.S. degree in Library Science from Drexel University. While at Chestnut Hill she met her husband of 53 years, Merrill, who was attending the University of Pennsylvania at the time. She led a full life working as a public librarian in Cleveland and then as corporate librarian in New York at Moody’s Investors Service until a corporate transfer for Merrill took her to Brussels, Belgium. While there she was the volunteer librarian at the American Women’s Club. After their return to the U.S. the family settled in Darien, CT where she became a library consultant for a number of large companies in the area. When another corporate transfer brought the family to the Twin Cities in 1992 she worked as librarian for Herzing University until her retirement in 2012. Soon after she and Merrill moved from Minnetonka Beach to Bonita Springs, FL and enjoyed the many activities there while maintaining a strong base of friends and family in Edina and the Twin Cities. Eleanor enjoyed travelling and especially cruising to different international regions. In addition to her library interests she enjoyed many volunteer activities, particularly with the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a philanthropic women’s organization providing educational opportunities for women worldwide. She was a leader and active member in both the Twin Cities and Bonita Springs chapters. Above all she was devoted to her family, especially her 5 grandchildren who will be sorely miss their “Mimi” and a wide network of friends.

Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, March 14, 2024 11 AM at the Church of St. Bartholomew, 630 E. Wayzata Blvd, Wayzata. visitation at church 1hr prior to Mass.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to P.E.O. Chapter E; The Church of St. Bartholomew, Wayzata; St. Leo’s Church, Bonita Springs; or a charity of your choice.