Eleonore Aurora Reyes Shauf's Obituary
Eleonore A.R. Shauf peacefully passed away in her sleep on December 5th, 2022, at her home of 57 years in Oakland, California.
Eleonore was born on February 22, 1937, to Pastor and Helouise Reyes (d.) in Baguio, Philippines, the third born of 12 children. It was in the Philippines where she met the love of her life James Shauf (d.), and they were married June 18th, 1960.
They made their home in Oakland, California where she was a homemaker and an advocate for parental involvement in schools. She volunteered countless hours while her children and grandchildren attended school. She loved her collection of angels and elephants. She enjoyed gardening when she was able to do so and was very fond of orchids and yellow roses. She was an avid reader, enjoyed poetry, and watching Perry Mason and old-time western shows. She was a member of Melrose United Methodist Church until she could no longer attend due to her health. She was also faithful to her Catholic upbringing.
She was the respected elder of a large family which she guided with love, faith, and pride. Although small in stature and reserved, she was fierce, brave, and intelligent. Her sense of humor and quick wit would often leave us surprised and in fits of laughter. She was an amazing woman who lived for her family and loved with all her heart.
Eleonore had 5 children, though her love extended to their spouses as if they were her own: her first-born Charles passed in the womb, her eldest daughter Charlene Gatke (Jim Gatke, d.), Hazel Farmer (Lance Nichols, d.), James P. Shauf (d.), and Brein Shauf.
She was adored and respected by her 7 grandchildren, Lezah Folse (Philip), Jamie Moore (Kevin), James Gatke (Nashwa), Dennis Gatke (Amy), Paul Farmer, Robby Shauf, and Breanna Shauf. She cherished her 6 great-grandchildren, Jacob Moore (d.), K’lynn Moore, Lucas Moore, Aurora Folse, Sayida Gatke, and Sabina Gatke.
Blessed with 11 beloved siblings, Corazon Ponce, Romeo B. Reyes (d.), Josephine Scott, Zenaida Moore (d.), Angeline Lisondra (d.), Juliet Reyes (d.), Rosie Gabriel, June Reyes (d.), Ernest Reyes, Elvis Reyes, and Loy Estropia (d.).
Eleonore is survived by many nieces, nephews, and countless other family members and friends.
During her lifetime Eleonore endured great heartache, loss, and a long and tiring battle with kidney disease. She would not complain and had a high regard for privacy. Through our grief we take comfort in knowing that she was ready to take her place in Heaven and to be reunited with the love of her life, her children, and many other beloved family members who have passed before her. Her final wishes were for her family not to mourn her but to celebrate her life and memories we have. Although it may be difficult with our broken hearts, we must do our best to honor her wishes. As the saying goes, “Where there is deep grief, there was great love.”
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