Elinor Gleckman Livingston passed away peacefully on March 2, 2018, in the arms of her family. During her last few days family members gathered around her to share stories, amaze her, and shower her with love.

Elinor was born on July 7, 1931 in Providence, RI to Samuel and Frances Gleckman. She loved Providence throughout her life, especially Benefit St. Indeed, she attended all here high school reunions, the last her 65th. She especially treasured spending time with her childhood friends Lenore and Edie.

At age 18, Martin Livingston took Elinor on a blind date, and in spite of the fact that he took her to a burlesque show, Elinor liked Marty. They were married in May 1951 on Marty’s weekend leave from the army and shared 66 years together. First, while in service at Colorado Springs, Colorado and Fort Benning, Georgia. They returned to MA for a few years, had a daughter Joy and son Ralph, and then moved to California – driving across the country with two young children to an unknown, but promising future.

It was a good move for both Elinor and Marty. They settled in Canoga Park then later moved to Marina Del Rey. Marty supported the family as a CPA. Elinor began to work to support her passion for travel. She wanted to see the world, and throughout her life she did just that, visiting Europe, Israel, Africa, China, India, and South America. Some of her best memories were trips shared with her brother Roger and his wife Max.

Elinor always wanted an education; with Roger’s help she enrolled in her first college course at Pierce and then continued to take courses one at a time to earn her Associates Degree. She was persistent at pursing education, earning a Bachelor’s in 1979, sitting next to Ralph at the ceremony where they were both awarded diplomas. The love of education led Elinor to earning a PhD in marriage and family therapy at age 60. She was in private practice until her retirement at age 80. She valued being of service to others. She asked perceptive questions leading her clients, friends, and family to find their own answers.

Elinor was an amazing adventurer – she traveled extensively both on land and sea. As Marty’s first mate, she had many adventures including a rescue at sea and completion of the intracoastal waterway from Texas to Vermont. Always a good sport, she was ready to try most anything. Elinor made friends wherever she went, she was always friendly, ready to listen, and make a new connection. She was a petite woman made of steel; she enjoyed physical exercise, practicing one sort of exercise or another nearly to the end of her days. Her strength was also present as Elinor faced illness with deep faith and courage – she practiced positive imagery and walk toward, not away, from fears.

No outline of Elinor’s life would be complete without mentioning her dogs – she loved each fully, grieved losing each, and readily gave her heart to another dog.

Elinor is survived by her husband of 66 years, Marty Livingston; her children Joy Livingston and Sandy Adams, Ralph and Sheri Livingston; grandsons Gary, Jason and Nikki, Blake and Jillian; and brother Roger and Maxfalda Gleckman, and many family and friends on both the East and West coasts.

Donations in Elinor’s honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, ALS Association, or the American Association of the Blind.