Eleanor Ann Klev

Eleanor Ann Klev

Eleanor Ann Johnson Klev passed away suddenly on July 19th, 2021, surrounded by her loving family, after a hard fought battle with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The world lost a wonderful soul on Monday. "Eleanor merely traded in her Stewardess wings for Angel Wings" Her warm smile, infectious laugh, compassionate heart, indomitable spirit and positive outlook touched all who had the privilege of knowing Eleanor. She was a beautiful person who had the ability to make you feel you were the most special. Eleanor was born in Monmouth, Illinois on February 16, 1945, to Melvin and Donna (née) Riddell-Johnson. She was raised a farmgirl in Aledo, Illinois; a beautiful small-town farming community and the home of the first "Tastee- Freez" in the United States. She attended Aledo High School, where she was crowned the "1963 Homecoming Queen" and was a parishioner and Sunday-school teacher at the Messiah Lutheran Church, Aledo, Illinois. "Breakfast at Tiffany's" was her favorite movie which changed the course of her life. New York City was calling for her and she vowed she would live there one day. In 1965, Eleanor became a "Stewardess" for Eastern Airlines and on one fateful flight, landed into New York's LaGuardia Airport. From then on, she called New York State her home.

In 1966, Eleanor married Richard J. Klev, a New York City Police Officer and together they had two children, Margareth (Beth) and Richard Jr. (Ricky). Eleanor was employed at Littman/ Barclay Jewelers as a manager for 16 years at locations in both New York and New Jersey before she retired in the year 2000 and became a caregiver for her two youngest grand-daughters. Always active, Eleanor began employment with the "McFarland Paving Co.", Mahwah, N.J., for many years after the grandchildren became of school age.

She is survived by her two children Beth Klev-Mooney and her husband James of Suffern, NY and Rick Klev, Jr. of Airmont, New York, in addition to three beautiful grand-daughters Brianna, Jayden and Ashlin Klev all residing in Suffern, New York. Her sister Marte Welch, nieces Dr. Allison Linder, Julie (Greg) Rice, and grand niece Annamae Linder, and Nephews Kolby Welch and Bradley Rice all residing in Aledo, Illinois; her Aunt Ernestine Sedig and many cousins, and dear friends. That said, Eleanor recently acquired a 13 week-old puppy, Daisy Mae Klev, who brought her great joy and comfort.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her beloved parents, and recently her beloved Aunt Roberta (Bobbie) Sedig-Ogren formerly of Coos-Bay, Oregon and devoted dog, Lily.

The family will have a private ceremony, celebrating Eleanor's life, and at a later date, her final resting place will be in her hometown, at the Aledo Cemetery, Aledo, Illinois.