During her 76 years of life on earth, Elenor embodied compassion for the vulnerable, a wry sense of humor, complete trust in God's plan for her, and an exquisite sensitivity to the world's beauty. Frail in body, she was bold and determined in carrying out her various vocations.

Born the 3rd child of Paul and Elenor Loarie Schoen in San Antonio, Texas, Elenor lived the majority of her youth in Leavenworth, Kansas where she attended St. Joseph's Catholic School and Immaculata High School. The family moved to Tacoma in 1965 and she graduated from Lakes High School. She then studied at the Burnley School of Professional Art in Seattle for 3 years, honing her talents for photography and illustration.

Elenor designed greeting cards for Hallmark Cards in Kansas City. Life Magazine, in its first photography contest, honored her for a black and white photo of two friends hopping along a country road. She joined a design firm in Washington, DC in the early 70's and confessed some responsibility for the Watergate break-in -- she had designed the signage for the Watergate's maze-like garage complex and figured it might have been her fault the burglars did not get lost.

In the mid 70's, Elenor moved to Seattle and opened her own design studio. She eventually established a special client relationship with the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, joined the staff of the Catholic Northwest Progress, and met the graphics needs of many Archdiocesan offices and Catholic-affiliated organizations.

At this time, Elenor was living with her sisters, Suzanne and Annemarie, on First Hill. The three of them became the locus for one of the Church's first young adult ministry programs. Elenor joined the St. James Cathedral staff as Young Adult Minister, working to alleviate the isolation and loneliness of the large population of Catholic singles living in downtown Seattle. Elenor also handled the Cathedral's design needs, including the preliminary sketches for the Mother Cabrini bas relief in the Cathedral entry. She then earned a degree in philosophy from Seattle University, graduating summa cum laude. At SU, she encountered Jesuit Father Robert Spitzer and became his assistant in promoting his program of cultural engagement, Healing the Culture.

Elenor was active in the local pro-life movement via Human Life of Washington and several political campaigns on issues relating to both abortion and euthanasia. Elenor held a board position with Human Life. She was certified as a medical ethicist by the National Catholic Bioethics Center. She joined the staff of Human Life for several years as communications director. She played a key role in the opposition to legalized assisted suicide. Later she joined the staff of Discovery Institute, a Seattle think tank, where, among other issues, she fought local human trafficking. Her last paid position was as assistant editor for the Homiletic and Pastoral Review, published by Ignatius Press.

Elenor oversaw the care of several relatives as they entered their final months in this life. She offered hands-on care with sensitivity to the body's natural rhythms, respecting the normal fading of capabilities, and was a major advocate for the Hospice movement. She invited her widowed mother to reside with her, caring for her for nearly 20 years. She was a loving and helpful auntie to numerous nieces and nephews. She was a reliable friend to many, offering good counsel and practical help when needed, all with a dry wit and a lively gift for one-liners. She never lost her sense of humor or hope. Her charisms included Helps, Encouragement, and Art. Her involvement with the Church and bioethics led to many close collaborations with cardinals, bishops, religious and prominent Catholic laity, as well as professionals in education, the arts, medicine, theology, communications, and public policy. She loved babies. She was quite a girl, and is already greatly missed by her family, friends, and colleagues. God bless and keep you, sweetie!

Funeral observances will be on Friday, May 17 at St. Mark Catholic Church in Shoreline WA. Rosary at 10:30 am. Mass of Christian Burial at 11, followed by a lunch reception. Burial at 2 pm at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made in Elenor's name to Healing the Culture.

Sign Elenor's online Guest Book at obituaries.seattletimes.com