Eleanor Lee Perkins Swain's Obituary
ORANGE CITY, FL - Eleanor Lee (Perkins) Swain, 88, peacefully departed this earth on March 29, 2026, under the compassionate care of hospice.
She is survived by two sons, Edwin Swain, III of Orlando, FL, and William Swain, daughter in law Julie, grandchildren Maggie and William, of Kingfield, ME, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Edwin
Swain, Jr; sisters June Herndon and Marie Streeter, and parents Gussie and Norris Perkins.
Eleanor graduated from the Piedmont School of Nursing in Atlanta, GA, in 1958, and held many roles in the field but was most proud of serving as a nurse in operating rooms in hospitals and physician practices. In her later years, there were few medical practitioners who did not hear of her experiences in nursing and how it has changed over the decades. In many respects it became her way of connecting with the people charged with her care.
Shortly after marriage, Eleanor moved from Georgia to New York and then to Chadds Ford, PA, where they made a home for nearly 30 years, raising two boys, and building a happy and productive life.
Despite her northern address, Eleanor embraced her Southern heritage, especially in her cooking. Holiday meals often featured hybrid cuisine featuring southern favorites like pecan pie, sweet potato casserole, black-eyed peas and collard greens alongside traditional New England staples.
In retirement Eleanor found true community after moving to Keowee Key in Salem, S.C, where her passion for the sport of tennis blossomed. Over the years, as her prowess on the court developed, so did her competitive spirit, leading her into ever
more challenging tournaments with her Keowee Key team, culminating in multiple trips and victories at S.C State Championships in the senior and super-senior categories.
During summer months in Oquossoc, ME, Eleanor, was a part of a small but dedicated group of tennis players, many of whom became lifelong friends on and off the court. As much as she enjoyed time on the court, Eleanor was in her element socializing as a group and was a frequent hostess for her friends and neighbors. Evenings were an almost sacred time to enjoy on the porch watching the sun sink low in the sky, enjoying conversations and connecting with her friends and family over wine and cheese.
In 2017 Eleanor moved to Orange City, FL, where she quickly employed her social skills to build a new community of friends at John Knox Village enjoying countless dinners and events with friends and always welcoming new neighbors.
Family and friends were the keys to Eleanor’s happiness whether it be doting on her grandchildren or hosting Super Bowl parties without knowing much about football. The reason for celebrating was always less important than being surrounded by the people she cared about most.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on May 6, 2026, at 4:30PM at John Knox Village in the Valencia clubhouse, 200 Valencia Landing Drive, Orange City, FL 32763. Reception to follow.
An additional Celebration of Life service will be held this summer
(date to be determined) in Rangeley, Maine.
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