Eleanor M. (Chilson) Boston

Eleanor M. Boston passed away February 25, 2021 at St. Mary's Mercy Hospital in Livonia, MI. She was 97-years-old.

She was a descendent of two pioneer families in Battle Creek, MI. This was the family Gores who settled in West Leroy in the early 1800's and the family Chilsons who settled in Battle Creek around 1867. Eleanor was born on February 14, 1924 to Leon E. Chilson and Ella Lola (Gore) Chilson at Nichols Hospital in Battle Creek. She graduated from Battle Creek Central High School in 1941 and proudly served as Majorette for three years with the Battle Creek Central Band. She was an accomplished baton twirler and taught lessons for many years. Eleanor worked in the family business E. Chilson & Son Greenhouses and Floral Shop for many years as a floral designer and business manager. She married Lee G. Boston on September 15, 1942. Lee enlisted in the Air Force in October 1942. They lived in Spokane, Washington for a short time and then in St. Petersburg, Florida for two years. After the war, they returned to Battle Creek where Eleanor worked for the Grand Trunk Railroad Motive Power Office and later for the Federal Home Life Insurance Company for 25 years. After retiring from the insurance company, she worked for the Historical Society of Battle Creek for several years. Her husband preceded her in death in 1992 after 50 years of marriage.

Eleanor is survived by her daughter Nancy Chiasson of Wayne, MI; a grandson Adam Chiasson and his wife Kristin, of Canton, MI; a grandson Bradley Chiasson and his wife Elaine, of Westland, MI. Eleanor was preceded in death by her son Alan Boston who passed in 1988 and her sister Marian (Casper) Uldriks in February of 2015. Eleanor is survived by Glena Boston, of Lancaster PA; a granddaughter Rebecca Boston and Tobe Fischer, of Lancaster, PA; a grandson Travis Boston and his wife Richelle, of Lancaster, PA; ten great grandchildren Alan J Fischer, Hayden, Kris, Kaylie, Alex, Cameron, and Alyssia Boston, of Lancaster, PA and Dominic, Maxwell, and Stella Chiasson, of Canton, MI; a nephew Casper Uldriks of Muskegon, MI; a niece Janet Fricano of Gun Lake, MI; and a niece Marilyn Cagle and her husband Steve, of Muskegon, MI.

Eleanor was an accomplished artist. Her interest was in fine art. She was a Past President of the Battle Creek Society of Artists, a member of the SW Michigan Watercolor Society and The Battle Creek Art Center. She was active in many organizations, a past Regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution and member for over 60 years; an active member of the Bronson Battle Creek Hospital Auxiliary for over 27 years, Life member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Past Chapeau of Calhoun County Salon #41 8/40, Member of the Oak Hill Cemetery Association Board, past officer of the Unity Chapter ABWA, past member of the Northside Snowmobile Club, Marywood Country Club, and past charter member and president of the Pennfield Purdy School PTA.

She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for over 70 years. She was enrolled in the Cradle Roll in 1924. She served the church in many capacities such as Elder, Deacon, and many committees such as Benevolence, Worship and Music, Christian Education, Facilities and Mission Study, and past member of the Presbyterian Women's Board. She was an active member of Lydia Circle of Presbyterian Women.

Friends will be received by Eleanor's family 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, March 4, 2021, at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. A celebration of life will be at a later date at First Presbyterian Church. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Historical Society of Battle Creek, the Humane Society, or memorial of your choice.

Personal messages for the family or remembrances of Eleanor may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.