LAPONSIE, Eleanor Margaret

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ February 12, 2008 Eleanor Margaret LaPonsie, 83, died from complications of lung cancer Friday, Feb. 8, 2008, in Linden surrounded by her family. She was born July 3, 1924, in Rochester, Mich., to the late Fred and Eleanor (Shaw) Hammond. She married her longtime sweetheart, James Harold LaPonsie, June 15, 1946, in Rochester, Mich. As a young woman, Eleanor worked several years for General Motors in Pontiac, Mich., manufacturing automobile parts. However, during World War II, General Motors shifted their operation and helped the war effort by manufacturing airplane parts. Eleanor was proud to be able to serve her country in that capacity. In 1959 the LaPonsie family moved to Glendale where James served in law enforcement. In 1962 they moved to Phoenix and then to Tucson in 1969. There they remained for 29 years. During that time, Eleanor was a devoted wife and mother to her family and thoroughly enjoyed spending her time with them. In 1976 James retired from his dedicated service in law enforcement, and the LaPonsies traveled quite extensively throughout the world, a time together they always cherished. In 1998 they moved to Linden, where she had since resided. James preceded her in death on April 16, 2006. Eleanor is survived by her four daughters, Linda LaPonsie (Bob McGraw) of Shumway, Susan LaPonsie of Tucson, Janice LaPonsie of Show Low and Brenda (Chip) Wilson of Linden; two sons, Charles LaPonsie of Tucson and James LaPonsie of Ohio; five grandchildren, Jennifer, Amy, Andy, Teena and Alex; and six great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother, Howard, and two sisters, Gladys and Anna. Family and friends are warmly invited to a memorial gathering that will be held at the LaPonsie Family home, 1092 Cedar Drive in Linden, beginning at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16. Contributions may be made in her name to RTA Hospice and Palliative Care, 1789 W. Commerce Drive, Lakeside, Arizona 85929, have been suggested by her family.