Biography

Eleanor Mae Carper was born on May 24, 1938 in Alamosa, Colorado to Homer and Zelma Carper. She moved to California at the age of three and attended schools in Bellflower, CA.

After graduating from high school, she attended USC on full academic scholarship and received her BA in English Literature. She later received an MA in English from USC. She was elected to National Mortar Board and Phi Beta Kappa as an undergraduate.

Eleanor taught English for two years in the Los Angeles Unified School District. She then moved to the Centinela Valley Union High School District, where she taught English for over 20 years at Leuzinger High School. In 1981, Eleanor was appointed to an administrative position and served as Assistant Principal at Lloyde Continuation High School and later was Principal of Lennox High School. She later moved to the district office and served as Coordinator of Special Projects and Director of Curriculum. Eleanor retired from education in 1993 with over 32 years of service.

From January 1997 through December 2001 Eleanor worked part time as a Retirement Benefits Counselor for the California State Teachers' Retirement System. In October 2001, she began working one day a week as a H.E.L.P. volunteer.

Eleanor married Gale Hooper in 1965, and they had one daughter, Mitzi Hooper, in 1969. Eleanor and Gale divorced in 1976 and mother and daughter relocated to Torrance, CA.

In 1989, Eleanor married Tom Barkelew, who also spent his life as an educator. He retired as Superintendent of Burbank Schools, but continued to substitute teach in Manhattan Beach for many years.

Eleanor loved gardening, cooking and baking--especially to share with others. When visiting friends (and her daughter) she rarely arrived without a homemade treat or fresh vegetables from her garden.

Eleanor's generosity was evident to all who knew her. She seemed to know exactly what to give to each of her friends based on their interests and what would make them happy. From birthday cards, to tokens that reflected hobbies, books, things that they wouldn't buy for themselves, to tomatoes, and lemon bars, she always considered the recipient's preferences before her own.

Eleanor enjoyed working in her garden, reading, attending theatrical and musical performances, traveling, and most all, spending time with her grandson, Anton. Eleanor had standing "dates" with Anton--taking him to school on Fridays (after having cinnamon toast, of course), picking him up on Wednesdays, and having some kind of "adventure" each weekend. Both Eleanor and Anton looked forward to these private moments together.

She was a wonderful colleague, friend, sister, mother, and grandmother. She will be deeply missed.

Eleanor passed away on Saturday, May 8th. She is survived by her daughter, Mitzi; son-in-law Tom; grandson Anton; sisters Linda Hensgen and Donna Grusmark and their families; step-daughter Diane Wallace; and step-granddaughter Erin Wallace.

Please add your own stories here. Our family would love to hear them.