Eleanor Agnes Groenewold, 88, of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, passed away on Monday, April 27, 2026, at Bethlehem North Nursing Home. Born on May 15, 1937, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late George Cech and Agnes (Bednarik) Cech. Eleanor was raised in Bethlehem and graduated from Liberty High School, where she began building the steady, hardworking spirit that would guide her throughout her life. She was a woman of quiet strength, deep devotion, and lasting kindness, and she touched the lives of many through her warmth and sincerity.

Eleanor devoted 25 years of service to the Bethlehem Police Department, where she worked as a meter maid. She carried out her duties faithfully and with pride, earning the respect of those who knew her through her dependable nature and strong work ethic. Her long career reflected the same sense of responsibility and care that she brought to every part of her life.

She was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fountain Hill, where her faith remained an important part of her life. Eleanor found joy in simple pleasures and treasured the many ways she could create beauty with her hands. She loved to travel and especially enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and sewing. These interests brought her comfort and fulfillment, and the things she made were a reflection of her patience, creativity, and love for those around her.

SURVIVORS: Eleanor is survived by her husband, Frederick H. Groenewold of Bethlehem, PA; her children, Paula Santiago of Louisiana and Paul Schaffer and his wife Sandra of Bethlehem, PA; her stepchildren, Jeffrey A. Groenewold of Allentown, PA and Randy A. Groenewold of Georgia. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Amelia, Alexandria, and Ellie Marie, as well as her great-grandchildren, Juden and Katrina. Her family was a source of great pride and joy in her life, and she cherished the relationships she built with each of them. In addition to her parents, Eleanor was predeceased by her siblings, John Cech, George Cech, Mary Moritz, and Agnes Yokai. Their memories remained a part of her life, and she carried her family history with her always.

SERVICES: A Funeral Service will be held at 11 A.M. on Monday, May 4, 2026 at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1059 Delaware Avenue, Fountain Hill, PA 18015, where family will receive relatives and friends from 10 A.M. until the time of the service. Interment will follow and conclude services at Cedar Hill Memorial Park, 1700 Airport Road, Allentown, PA 18109. Eleanor's services have been entrusted to Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.

CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Eleanor's name to The Lehigh Valley Humane Society, 640 Dixon Street, Allentown, PA 18103.