Eleanor Schaffner's Obituary
Eleanor Nimick Tallman Schaffner
“Grandma Fishie”
At age 92, Eleanor Louise went home to the arms of our Lord on May 9, 2014. She was born June 20, 1921 to Louise and Frank Nimick in Tacoma, WA. She attended Visitation Catholic School in Tacoma. In 1937 she married Wilbur Tallman and together, with love, brought into their marriage daughters Charlene and Karen. She and Wilbur had 31 years of memories raising their girls. Eleanor worked at Rhodes Department Store for many years and was a member of the Retail Clerks Union. She belonged to the Jennie Miller Orthopedic Guild, was Past President of the Emblem Club of Gig Harbor Elks, a member of Totem Yacht Club, Red Hat Ladies and loved her gathering of friends for Bunco. Wilbur passed away in 1968, and in 1975 she met George Schaffner and they married. Together, they traveled the world on cruises and trips, later purchasing a motor home and traveling the states until George’s passing. Eleanor loved her crafts and hobbies, which included playing Skip-Bo, other card games, playing the organ, crocheting, knitting, ceramics and, at the end of her journey, slot machines. Eleanor will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her and her witty sense of humor. Preceding her in death were her parents, her brothers Frank Nimick, Merle Nimick (Ann) and Wes Drake (Dodie). She is survived by her sister Leona Massard of Pasco, WA, her daughters Charlene Sharpe (Ray) and Karen Boedecker. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren Tania Klippert (John), Jennifer Ashlock (Greg), Joel Boedecker (Dianne), Mark Jesch (David), Nicholas Jesch, Steve Sharpe (Diane), Rob Sharpe (Kris) and also her great grandchildren Andrew, Ashley, Megan, Madison, Shelby, Samantha and Cooper; and many nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her very close and dear friend Deloris Olson and her special caregiver, niece and angel Nancy Petersen, AND two very special furry lap friends Sadie and Sophie. The family wishes to thank the Tacoma Lutheran Home for making her last days with us as comfortable as possible. Eleanor made donations to many different deserving charities, so in lieu of flowers, please feel free to send a donation of your choice to your favorite charity. A celebration of Eleanor’s life will held at 2pm Saturday, May 17 in the Aspen Chapel at Mountain View with reception following in the Willow Room.
Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. “Remembrances may be shared at www.mountainviewtacoma.com.”
What’s your fondest memory of Eleanor?
What’s a lesson you learned from Eleanor?
Share a story where Eleanor's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Eleanor you’ll never forget.
How did Eleanor make you smile?

