Eleanor Derbil

On Sunday, February 1, 2015 we lost our dear Eleanor Derbil.
Born in 1925 as Eleanor Genevieve Blauciak in Baltimore Maryland, she most recently
established residence in Hannawa Falls with her daughter, son-in-law and grandson. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Maresca, her husband G Michael Maresca, MD, grandson, Michael Andrew Maresca and a granddaughter Margaret Maresca. In Baltimore she leaves a sister Ann, brothers Daniel and John and dear sister-in-law Leah. She was predeceased by her parents and brother Pete. She was proud of all of her nieces and nephews loving to hear the latest news about their lives and milestones.
Eleanor graduated from Eastern High School in Baltimore Maryland and immediately
began work. She held various interesting jobs, from ship fitter (a la Rosie the Riveter) to executive secretary.
She loved travel and incorporated that passion into her work. She worked in Florida and then New Orleans until finally getting to travel internationally as a civilian for the Armed Services.She lived for many years in Europe
working and immersing herself in foreign cultures. Her last foreign post was Ankara, Turkey where
she met her husband Ozer Derbil. She became part of the Turkish community in Ankara, and had one child while there.
The marriage ended in divorce and she headed back to Baltimore, child in tow.
Upon returning to Baltimore she worked for The University of Maryland Medical School, Anatomy Department. She made many great friendships there and retirement after she turned 55.
In retirement, she flourished. She was able to travel again and to indulge her many passions. She was able to continue her college course work. She was an accomplished artist and loved to be involved in education and the arts. Baltimore had so many opportunities for her. She joined many friends enjoying the opera, symphony, stage and museums. She took great pride in volunteering and becoming involved with local senior centers. In 2008 her house in Baltimore proved to be too much and she moved in with her daughter, son-in-law and grandson.She quickly became part of the Potsdam cultural scene. She took advantage of the many opportunities in her new small town. She made so many wonderful friends. Their friendship and the quality of life in Potsdam made her last years a pleasure. Her family thanks our little town for embracing our dear mother and making her a townie.
Most of all, Eleanor was a lifelong learner. She took classes up until the last few months of her life. (even taking Hebrew at age 89!) Eleanor was an original. She savored the small things... dessert first... old movies... Jeopardy... SOAR classes... .libraries... .the Opera at the Roxy... .She had high standards for all of us and she was very proud of her family and her friends.