Obituary of Eleanor A. Jammal

Eleanor A. Jammal

ASHTABULA- Eleanor A. Jammal, age 93, passed away on Sunday, July 28th at the David Simpson Hospice House in Euclid.  She was born on October 14, 1925, in Cleveland, the daughter of Nicholas J. and Mary (Abraham) Jammal.  Eleanor attended Trenton High School in Trenton, NJ graduating in 1943.  Ms. Jammal attended Temple University in Philadelphia PA, graduating in1948 with a B.S. in Accounting, a rare accomplishment for women of the time.  Eleanor tremendously valued her education and giving others the same opportunity became a life mission.  

In 1960 Eleanor joined Ashtabula Rubber Company as the cost department supervisor, eventually working her way to Vice President of Finance, Secretary/Treasurer, and member of the Board of Directors.  Ms. Jammal retired from the family business in 1997, although she was known to come to the office regularly long afterwards and remained on the Board of Directors. 

Ms. Jammal was known for her commitment to service locally in Ashtabula County and around the world.  She served as an Ashtabula Foundation Trustee from 1984 to 2012 with two terms as Secretary Treasurer and one as President.  She was on the Ashtabula County Children Services Board from 1962 to 2006 presiding as Chairperson from 1965 to 1985.  (When people asked Eleanor why she wasn’t married and had children, she would tell them, “I have 2000 children to look after.”)  Additionally, she served on the Ashtabula County Medical Center Board of Trustees from 1989 to 2014 in a variety of roles including two years as Chairperson.  Eleanor was on the Mother of Sorrows Church Financial Council from 2001 to 2008 and the Hiram College Board of Trustees from 1980 to 1986.

Perhaps most significant was Eleanor’s membership in Zonta International from 1954 onward.  Zonta is a global organization of professionals empowering women worldwide through service and advocacy.  Upon her membership Ms. Jammal quickly gained recognition for her skills and deep commitment.  She was president of the Ashtabula Club from 1958-1960, District Governor from 1964 to 1966, and was a member of the International Board from 1970-1976 serving as International President from 1974-1976.  The theme of her presidency was “Service Throughout the World: The Zonta Way of Life.”  She traveled extensively visiting and chartering Zonta Clubs in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America, and chaired the first Zonta International Conference outside of North America in Wiesbaden, Germany in 1976.

One of Eleanor’s proudest moments in Zonta was during the United Nations International Women’s’ Year in 1975, when she participated in the first ever United Nations sponsored World Conference on Women.  Through her service Ms. Jammal had a lasting and positive impact fighting for equality and inspiring women and girls locally and globally.

Ms. Jammal received numerous honors for her contributions.  In 1979 she was nominated into the Ohio Women’s Hall of Fame.  In 2000 she received the Cross Pro Pontifice Et Ecclesia and the Ashtabula County Children Services Above and Beyond Award.  She received the Growth Partnership Best of County President’s Award in 2001, and in 2006 was given the Ashtabula Area College Committee Outstanding Community Service Award.

Eleanor was a joy to her family and will be remembered for her wisdom and stories.  She is survived by three nephews and two nieces, Nicholas (Lisa) Jammal of Ashtabula, Bruce Angebranndt of Ewing, NJ, Louise (Charles) Miller of Anthem, AZ, Christopher (Patricia) Jammal of Lakewood, and Mary Angebranndt of Tucker, GA; seven great nieces and great nephews, as well as many other loving family members including cousins Steve (Camille “Candy”) Abraham of Ashtabula and Valerie Johnston of Vienna.  Eleanor was preceded in death by her sister, LaVerne Angebranndt, brother Joseph Jammal, and her parents.

Calling hours will be from 4:00PM until 7:00PM on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at the ZABACK-WILLIAMS-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula.  

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 AM on Friday, August 2, 2019, at Our Lady of Peace Parish, Mother of Sorrows Church, 1464 West 6th Street, Ashtabula.  Rev. Raymond Thomas will preside.  Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery.

Eleanor’s family asks that in lieu of flowers you consider donating to the ACMC Foundation, 2420 Lake Ave., Ashtabula, Ohio, 44004 or to the Zonta International Foundation Endowment Fund, The Zonta International Foundation, 1200 Harger Road, Suite 330 Oak Brook, IL,60523 (www.zonta.org).  

ZABACK-WILLIAMS-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula, Ohio is assisting the family, www.ducro.com.