Eleanore Spence Obituary

Eleanore Jane Spence
May 10, 1931 - October 19, 2024
Eleanore Jane Spence, age 93 departed this world on October 19th, 2024 after a long illness. Born in San Francisco on May 10th, 1931 to loving parents Charles and Florence Spence, Ellie was a second-generation San Franciscan, and loved life in the city by the Bay. She attended high school at Sacred Heart and at age 16 met her first love, Herb Mooney, at a dance in Boulder Creek. They married three years later and went on to bring six children into the world. They eventually moved from San Francisco to Marinwood in 1957 and created a lifetime of beautiful memories for their family.
Ellie was a dedicated teacher who poured her heart and soul into her work. She taught at Petaluma Junior High for 25 years and then upon retiring from there, she taught at the Marin County Jail for another 20 years where she found great reward in helping those who were willing to turn their lives around. When Ellie finally retired for good at 88 years old, she was the oldest teacher in the county and received the Golden Bell award for her teaching achievements.
Ellie was an unforgettable human being who touched so many people in her long, amazing life. In addition to teaching, she was an incredible poet and storyteller and had her work published in a number of books, magazines and newspapers. Her monthly column "Off My Rocker" ran in the Novato Advance for 8 years. She loved music and played piano, guitar and even at one point, the banjo! She was fiercely independent, inspiring the many women in her family to find their own strength. She had a tremendous sense of humor and was brilliant. She kicked butt at trivia and was often asked "how the hell did you know that?" She was the Scrabble Queen much to the chagrin of many a foe. She was a mother, a daughter, a grandma, a friend, a member of the "Old But Not Yet Dead" club, and she was one of a kind. It will be hard to imagine life without her sparkling light that helped so many find their way.
Ellie is survived by her children Monica Ertel (Tom), Vicki Justice, Paul Mooney (Berit), Charlie Mooney, Claire Payne (Dirk) and Sheila Tracey. Ellie is also survived by her grandchildren, Kelin Mooney (Mackenzie), Caley Payne, Matalie Neitzke (Ron), Reilly Payne, Sean Dotson (Alise), Steve Dotson, Ron Dotson (Jamie), Laura Tracey (Casey), Scot Greenfield, Ruth Codoni and eight great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents Charles and Florence Spence and her ex-husband and good friend, Herb Mooney.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity or Hospice By The Bay Health in Ellie's honor. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, November 14th from 1:00- 4:00 pm at McInnis Restaurant, 350 Smith Ranch Road in San Rafael. All are welcome and please feel free to wear bright colors!
Assisted by Monte's Chapel of the Hills, San Anselmo.