Eleanor May Browder

This photo was taken at Kate and Shannon's wedding in April 2005.

Grandpa looking out over Grammy's final resting place.

On Sunday, May 31st, we received a phone call from Brian's dad, Dave, telling us that Grammy had passed away after two months of failing health. We were lucky to have seen her two weeks prior so the news was not unexpected but still painful.

I first met Grammy in February 2004, shortly after Brian and I began dating. From the moment I met her I knew that she was a unique woman. She was kind, loving, and witty. I loved watching her hug Brian and hearing her tell stories of him as a little boy and as a young man. I was thrilled to become part of the Browder family and count her as my Grammy too.

Every time we went to visit she was so happy to see her grandson and great-grandsons. Brian even joked when Ben was born that now Grammy wouldn't disown him since we produced a boy to carry on the Browder family name.

We joined Great Grandpa, Uncle Roger, Aunt Janet, Dave, cousin Kate, cousin Megan and her boyfriend Danny, and Grandpa's brother Lee and his wife Pearl for a simple and beautiful service on Thursday at the San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery in Santa Nella. We said our goodbyes and remembered the woman we all adored.

Grammy's obituary read:

ELEANOR BROWDER MAR 6, 1922 - MAY 31, 2009 Eleanor Browder passed away on May 31st in Modesto at the age of 87. Eleanor was born in Fallbrook, CA to Clifford and Lena Story. She was one of six children and the only girl in the family. Eleanor attended elementary and high school in Fallbrook and then moved to Stockton where she lived for a short time with one of her brothers. She met her future husband, Alvin Browder at Edison Ayer's home (Eleanor's cousin) in Modesto in 1942. After Alvin's tour in the Army Air Corp during WWII they were married in Modesto in 1946 at the old Centenary Methodist Church with Alvin's brother-in-law, Francis Cook officiating. During Eleanor's 63 years in Modesto, she worked in several physicians' offices and was active in the First and Trinity Presbyterian churches. She was also a teacher leader in Bible Study Fellowship for a number of years. Alvin and Eleanor loved spending their free time on their houseboat on Don Pedro Reservoir for three decades. She water-skied until she was 70. Eleanor enjoyed being with her family more than anything else. Eleanor is survived by, her husband of almost 63 years, Alvin Browder, two brothers, Earl Story of Galt and Ervin Story of Hillside, CO, son David Browder and wife Sarah of Falls Church, VA, daughter Janet Farschon and husband Roger of Cedarville, CA. Eleanor is also survived by grandchildren Chris Browder and wife Emily of Seattle, WA, Brian Browder and wife Maggie of Incline Village, NV, Kathryn Dynge and husband Shannon of Peoria, AZ and Megan Farschon of Chowchilla, CA. She was blessed with five great grandchildren, 2 girls and 3 boys with another on the way. Eleanor will be buried at Santa Nella Memorial Ceremony this week in a private family ceremony. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please send any memorials you your favorite charity.

We feel blessed to have been part of Grammy's life.