Eleanor Clara Leh

Eleanor C. Leh, 95, of Heron Point, Chestertown, MD, formerly of Chatham Township, NJ, died Friday, February 18, 2011, at Heron Point. Born on July 4, 1915, in Collingdale, PA, she was the daughter of the late, John F. Leh and Anna F. Hurlbrink. She was also predeceased by her two sisters, Freda M. Leh and Ethel M. Leh. She received her early education in the Collingdale Schools system from which she graduated with honors. After graduating from Collingdale High School, she attended and graduated from Taylor Business College in Philadelphia, PA, where she majored in Business Administration. She also attended the Extensions Division of Rutgers – the State University in New Brunswick, NJ, in preparation for the International Certified Professional Secretaries exam. She sat for the CPS exam and received her certification in 1961. From 1966 to 1967, she took courses in Office Management and Control at the same University. She also took further studies at the University of Colorado – “living and working in the space age.” As a dedicated member of the NSA-S (National Secretaries Association – International), she was very active at all levels of the Association since she joined the Newark, NJ, Chapter in 1959. She was the Newark, NJ Chapter President, the New Jersey State (Division) President, and on District level, she served as Northeast District Representative on the International Education and Program Committee. In Philadelphia, PA, during World War II, she served as a volunteer with the Army Air Forces Fighter Command Aircraft Warning Service. In recognition of her dedicated participation in this program, she received a “Certificate of Honorable Service” from Henry L. Stinson, United States Secretary of War, making her a member of the Army Air Forces Aircraft Warning Service Reserve. She was always active in community affairs and held offices of leadership in most. While she lived in Chatham Township, Morris County, NJ, she was very involved in the various projects of the Morris County Park Commission. She was a member of the Board of the Friends of the Frelinghuysen Arboretum (Secretary) and a member of the Board of Friends of Foster Fields (a restored farm operating as a living museum of early farming facilities and procedures.) She was also on the executive Board of the Library of the Chatham and the Board of the Historical Society of Chatham Township. She was involved in the establishment of the Chatham Township Historical Society’s Historical Museum and a Deacon of the Presbyterian Church of Chatham Township. In Chestertown, she was a member of The Historical Society of Kent County, The Kent County Heritage Trust, The Woman’s League of Washington College, The Friends of Miller Library, Kent and Queen Anne’s Hospice Foundation, the Chester River Association, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. She was also a member of the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown. Miss Leh has traveled extensively, most of which she did with her late sister, Ethel. They traveled across all seven continents, including Antarctica. From Indonesia to Israel, Malta to Mexico, from India to Australia, they brought back exciting stories of their journeys to share with friends and neighbors.Upon returning home, having seen more of this fabulous world than most people, they were always ready to plan for the next adventure. They shared their experiences with their friends, presenting slideshows to many organizations including Rotary, Kwanis, and schools and church groups. Miss Leh loved traveling, archaeology, American and World History, art ,and community involvement. Miss Leh is survived by her cousins. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 24, 2011, at 11:00 am at Wesley Hall- Heron Point, Chestertown, MD. Interment will be in Northwood Cemetery in Philadelphia, PA. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Heron Point Benevolent Fund or F & R Moore Scholarship Fund, Heron Point, 501 E. Campus Avenue, Chestertown, MD 21620.

Eleanor Clara Leh

July 4, 1915 - February 18, 2011