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- Buffalo News - 2/6/2011
GREATBATCH - Eleanor (nee Wright) WNY Philanthropist and Wife of Prominent Inventor. January 30, 2011, Eleanor Fay Greatbatch; wife of implantable pacemaker inventor Wilson Greatbatch, died in Oxford Village at Canterbury Woods, Williamsville, NY; she was 90. Eleanor Fay Wright was born on Buffalo's Niagara St., and spent her early childhood in downtown Buffalo and West Seneca. Her father died unexpectedly in 1931 when she was 11; the family later moved to Akron where Mrs. Greatbatch graduated from Akron Central High. She attended Buffalo State College and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics in 1942. She met Wilson Greatbatch and they married January 1, 1945. Eleanor's strength, resourcefulness and sense of humor were a significant asset in support of Wilson's work throughout his entrepreneurial career. Mrs. Greatbatch was an active member and Elder of the First United Presbyterian Church of Clarence. She loved participating in Presbyterian Woman and led a Bible study for her Circle for many years. Mrs. Greatbatch worked in the Clarence Public School System as a library aide serving for 31 years, most of those in the Clarence Center Elementary School. Mrs. Greatbatch also was a long-time member of the League of Women Voters. She served on the board of directors of Wilson Greatbatch Ltd. from 1970-1979 and then again from 1990-1997. She co established the East Hill Foundation and served on its board as well as on the board of the Eleanor and Wilson Foundation. A lover of orchestral and choral music; she enthusiastically supported the concerts of the Clarence Concert Association. Mrs. Greatbatch loved cooking and baking and was an avid reader of nonfiction and classical literature. She was an expert seamstress making all her own clothes, and later became an accomplished weaver. Survivors include her husband of 66 years, Wilson; three sons, Warren, John, Ken, and a daughter, Anne Maciariello. Her youngest son Peter died in 1998. Grandchildren include: Marcy Martin, Ericka Chadbourne, Jennifer Chojecki, Emily Greatbatch, Cody Greatbatch, Ricky Greatbatch, Ken Dulian, Jenny Pierce, Larry Maciariello Jr., Jim Maciariello, Kameron Brown, and Russell Lanter II; Great Grandchildren include: Taylor Greatbatch, Elizabeth Chadbourne, and Noah Roshong. A memorial service will be held at 1 PM Saturday February 12, 2011 in the First United Presbyterian Church of Clarence, 9675 Main St. Donations may be made to East Hill Foundation, 6500 Main St., No. 6, Williamsville, NY 14221-5854. All donations will go to establish a book collection at Clarence Center Elementary School. East Hill will match all donations. Arrangements by SHEPARD BROS. FUNERAL HOME.
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1920 - 2011 (90 years)