Eleanor Edith (McDaniel) Froehlich

Eleanor Edith McDaniel Froehlich, a lifelong resident of West Haven, died on January 23, 2025 at the Hospital of St. Raphael after a long and brave battle with cancer.  Her beloved husband of over 64 years, Donald, was by her side. Eleanor was the cherished mother of Donald (Tracey) Froehlich of West Haven, Doreen (Scott) Denhardt of Branford and Sandra (Jim) Oddo of Southington and proud grandmother of Cassandra (Michael) Modena of Yorba Linda, CA, Donald III (Jolie) Froehlich, Kyle Froehlich and Megan Froehlich of West Haven; Jillian Denhardt of Waialua, HI and Robert (Danielle) Denhardt of Northford, CT; Joseph, Riannon, and Adriana Oddo of Southington; great-grandmother of Sophia and Nolan Modena of Yorba Linda, CA.  She also leaves her sisters in law Frances (late Harold) and Philomena (late George) Froehlich and many nieces and nephews. 

Born August 25, 1941, in West Haven, Eleanor was a daughter of the late Charles and Ragnild Olson McDaniel.  In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by brothers Ronald and Thomas McDaniel and granddaughter Jessica Mae Froehlich.

Eleanor’s career spanned many years and ranged from work as a Nursing Staff Coordinator at the former Winthrop and Soundview Specialized Care Centers, Sears. Ultimately she retired from JC Penney.  Somehow Eleanor found time to serve as an active volunteer in the Prospect Beach Civic Association, the West Haven Garden Club, CT Hospice and at the Christ Church Thrift Shoppe.  She was a lifelong member of the Christ Episcopal Church (now the Church of the Holy Spirit). Throughout the years, Eleanor and her family had many cherished pets. She was a true animal lover and her feline bestie Katie Kat will miss her. A wonderful and thoughtful friend, neighbor, and coworker, she will be deeply missed, most of all by her family, and virtually by everyone she encountered.

Family and friends may attend visitation for Eleanor on Wednesday morning between 10 and 11:30 at the West Haven Funeral Home. A parlor service will begin at 11:30 at the funeral home.  Interment will follow in Beaverdale Memorial Park. Donations may be made to WHEAT, West Haven, West Haven Animal Shelter, or to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter, 749 E Main Street, Branford, CT  06405.

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