Eleanor Rebecca Bethel Burns

Eleanor Rebecca Bethel Burns passed away peacefully on December 17 at Bryn Mawr Hospital. Born in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late George Bethel and Eleanor Bethel (nee Loughlin). 

Eleanor was the beloved wife of the late John F. Burns (Jack).  She is survived by her five children: Bernard (Betsy), John (Mary), Judy (Paul), Sue (Brian) and Tom (Carrie).  Eleanor, lovingly known as Nannie, is also survived by her grandchildren: O’Shannon (Raul) Burns, Sean (Cora) Burns, Caitlin Burns, Valerie Burns, Nicholas Schilling, Patrick (Libby) Schilling, Brian (Leigh) Dunn, Tyler Dunn, Connor (Haley) Dunn, Kelly Burns, Caden (Hunter) Burns, Riley Burns and one great grandson Belmont Burns. She will be greatly missed by her family, her sister Isabella, nieces, nephews and her many friends. She was predeceased by her sister Catherine Haney.

Eleanor had a great many interests during the course of her life. She loved to play bridge, and bird watching was one of her passions.  Gardening, reading, collecting antiques and her Irish heritage were also great interests. There was not a night that she ever missed Jeopardy!  She greatly enjoyed traveling, especially to Ireland, and also to other parts of Europe.  But most of all she delighted in hosting dinners and parties for her children, grandchildren and extended family.

Eleanor was born in Philadelphia, grew up in Cheltenham and graduated from Cheltenham High School in 1947. She met her future husband Jack from Villanova, PA at a family party.  They were married on April 15, 1950, and spent 38 years together before Jack’s passing in 1988.  During their life together they lived in Glenside and Dresher.

Friends and family are invited to Eleanor’s services on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 800 E. Lancaster Ave, Villanova, PA 19085.  A Viewing will be held at 9:00 AM, followed by her Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM.

Interment Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to:

St. Thomas of Villanova Church

1229 E. Lancaster Ave.

Rosemont, PA  19010