Eleanor Good Holford

Eleanor Holford passed away on November 4, 2026, after an extended illness. Eleanor lived in Harrison, New Jersey, Vero Beach, FL, and Murphy, NC.

Eleanor was a member of First United Methodist Church and was a Sunday school teacher, helped form and was a member of the Pairs and Spares class, and is a lifetime member of the Methodist Women’s Circle. She volunteered for many organizations such as Osceola Elementary School, Salvation Army, Indian River Medical Center, the Hospital Auxiliary Thrift Store in Vero Beach, and the Food Bank in Murphy. In both Murphy and Vero Beach, Eleanor helped deliver communion to homebound church members. She worked at the Vero Beach Woolworth Department store from 1976 until its closing in 1994, The Office Center, Cox Gifford Funeral Home, and Dillards.

She was an avid reader and frequented The Used Book Depot. Word games such as Scrabble, Boggle, and completing crossword puzzles were her favorites. She loved birds and wildlife feeding all equally. For many years there were squirrels (one named Suzie), raccoons (much to our dismay), and feral cats that she kept from going hungry. When she was 70 years old, Eleanor learned how to make baskets and for over fifteen years, she made and gave away her beautifully crafted baskets. Eleanor was well known around the community for her delicious baked goods that she shared with everyone. In later years, she attracted attention with her seasonally decorated walker. Faith, family, and friends were the most important things to Eleanor. She treasured the family get-togethers and holiday parties that she and her late husband, Jay, hosted. Eleanor and Jay met in 1998 through a mutual friend and enjoyed twenty-five years together until his passing in 2025.

Eleanor is survived by brother, Frank Allen (Nellie); children, Catherine (Cathy) Rossmell (Joe), Matthew Good, Mark Good (Connie), Sandra (Sandie) Fair (David), Teresa (Terry) Bias, John Holford (Cyndy), James (Jim) Holford (Brenda); grandchildren, Joel Rossmell (Jenn), Adam Rossmell (Kathryn), Stacey Good Collins (Mason), Cody Good, Jessica Good Lopez (Phillip), Michael Good (Mady), Mitchell Good, Stephanie Vandever, Cameron Holford, Laurie Agri, Michael Agri; great-grandchildren, Jalyn Rossmell, Jarren Rossmell, Ethan Rossmell, Bindy Collins, Ember Collins, Noah Lopez, Luke Lopez, Molly Bashaw and Bradley Adams; great-great-grandchild, Audrey Bashaw.

Eleanor was preceded in death by husband, John W. (Jay) Holford; daughter, Jennifer A. Holford; grandson, Sean M. Vandever; and sister, Frances Burgess.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; The Salvation Army-Indian River County Corps, 2655 5th St SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962, Wildlife Conservation Society, Attn: Donations (Bronx Zoo), 2300 Southern Boulevard, Bronx, NY 10460, or Boys Town, PO Box 8000, Boys Town, NE 68010.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Heritage Center, November 12, 2026, from 11:30am to 1:30pm.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.