Eleanor Minor, 92, of Park Ridge, went home to Heaven on April 29, 2026, reuniting with her husband, son and grandson. Our amazing Mother was born Eleanor Catherine Capotosto on November 5, 1933. One of seven children born to Marco and Pauline, she grew up on Chicago’s west side and graduatedfrom Marshall High School.

In 1957, Eleanor married the love of her life, Walter Minor, an officer and a gentleman, at Our Lady of Angels Church. The city girl and the country boy met while both were working at Army Headquarters in the loop. They built an extraordinary life together and celebrated 67 years of marriage. They were a great team, and Mom helped take care of Dad until his passing, and never left his side. We hope they are dancing together to Nat King Cole right now.

Eleanor was a force to be reckoned with and fiercely protective of those she loved. She called it as she saw it and inspired us to be strong, ask questions and think for ourselves. Eleanor was super smart—a math and spelling whiz, well-read, and always up for a good debate.

Eleanor was always the fun and cool Mom. In the early years, dusting and dancing to Frank Sinatra, Trini Lopez and Herb Alpert. She bought Chris her first Beatles album at the age of six. She was one of the first moms in the neighborhood to rock white go-go boots. She didn’t have a driver’s license until moving to Park Ridge in the 1960’s, but…her first car was a cool blue Camaro convertible. She rocked that too.

Eleanor was always there for her children; Chris, Laurie, Doug and Tracy. From ice skating lessons at Michael Kirby’s to high school sports, she was always in the stands with Dad. They wouldn’t miss one of Tracy’s basketball or softball games at Maine South, and beamed when she went to the state championship in 1988. Later, she was just as involved with her grandchildren who absolutely adored her. She was such an important part of their lives and was always their biggest fan and proud Grandma.

After years of being a full time Mom, Eleanor started a new chapter, spending 20 years as Marketing Coordinator at William H. Leahy & Associates. Retirement allowed her and Dad to spend more time in Lake Geneva and Florida, as well as even more time with her family.

Eleanor was always game for anything. Last year, she attended her granddaughter’s graduation at Duke University in North Carolina, and went on a girl’s trip to New York City to see Hoda Kotb’s last Today Show. She would text us her Wordle score at 3am, then text later asking what was up for the day. She chimed in the family group chat and at 92 was still driving herself around town. She was known for her quick mind and even faster walking. Not one to slow down, she left us all in the dust.

She loved fun, the sun, chocolate, playing Bridge and Rummy, keeping up on the news of the day, shopping, game shows, movies, reading, fashion, Florida, Lake Geneva, and did we mention brownies?

Most of all, every day and in every way, Eleanor the matriarch loved her family. She cheered on and inspired three generations until the end, and we will love her forever. Our lives will not be the same without you Mom, and we will miss you every day. Thank you for always loving, giving, caring and being there for us. We are so proud of you.

Eleanor is survived by three of her four children, Chris Minor-Hubbell (Marv), Laurie Citta, and Tracy Sernel (Marc); grandchildren Kevan Kresl (Jack), Catherine Sernel and Doug Sernel, and great grandchildren James and Charlie Kresl.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers and four sisters, her beloved husband Wally, her beloved son Doug, and her beloved grandson Ryan.

Visitation is Thursday, May 7 at Cooney Funeral Home in Park Ridge from 4pm to 7pm. Mass will be held at Noon on Friday, May 8 at St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church in Park Ridge.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Barth Syndrome Foundation, in honor of Ryan, at Barth Syndrome Foundation, PO Box 419264, Boston MA 02241, or donations are accepted online. Family and friends are to gather for visitation Thursday, May 7, 2026 from 4 to 7 PM at Cooney Funeral Home. Funeral Mass to follow Friday, May 8 12:00 PM at Saint Paul of the Cross. Interment at Maryhill Catholic Cemetery and Mausoleum.  Mass Livestream available at spc-church.org