Eleanor H. (Kelley) Hoar, "Dale" beloved wife of the late Bernard F. Hoar and deeply loved by her family passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her daughter's home on Friday, November 22, 2024 in Campton, NH.
Dale was born on November 2, 1942 in Boston the daughter of the late David E. and Eleanor H. (Samsevich) Kelley of Hyde Park, MA. She attended St. Raphael's then St. Claire's graduating in 1959. She then went on to Bridgewater State College to earn her Bachelor's of Science Degree in Elementary Education in 1964. She furthered her career by earning her Master's Degree at Fitchburg State College.
On a blind date set up by their mothers to escort her to her dance. She met Bernie, they fell in love, and married on July 3, 1965 at their family church, Most Precious Blood in Hyde Park. She began her teaching career in the Boston Public Schools and soon began their family but was let go of her teaching post after announcing her pregnancy-an unfortunate reality of the times. In November 1969 in time for Thanksgiving they moved their family of four to North Billerica and built a wonderful life there. They spent their holidays surrounded by family, summers on John's Pond at the Cape and camping up in New Hampshire at Twin Mountains and along the Kancamagus Highway in North Conway.
Dale stayed at home raising her beautiful children until her youngest was attending the Faulkner Kindergarten. She then fulfilled her lifelong dream of teaching at the John F. Kennedy school in East Billerica starting in 1% grade then graduating to 5* grade where she spent most of her 27 plus years teaching and inspiring her countless students until her retirement. On weekends both Dale and Bernie were actively involved in their children's lives, spending most of their time driving one here, another there and back again, sometimes not seeing each other all day. But Friday night was their night. A special dinner was always made and they would enjoy a candlelit dinner together. School activities would then have them cheering one at soccer, another in marching band, the next one for hockey and then lastly soccer again. She gave the best of herself to all those she had the pleasure of knowing and coming into contact with.
Dale joined a local ceramics group and made many memorable and treasured pieces that she shared with all her family and friends. She spent many years involved with the town not just because her husband, Bernie was so devoted but because she wanted to give all she could to her family and their town. She was a huge supporter and regular guest on the "Bernie Hoar Live" show that was filmed at the local BATV studio in the center of town and spent her Wednesday nights watching Bernie on TV when she was at home. She became a member of the Billerica Scholarship Foundation then soon attained Chairwoman for many years. She was a charter member of the Women's Chapter 2379 of the Billerica Moose Lodge #4628.
One of the things that made Dale shine brightest was being a grandmother. Her graciousness and kindness infected all that knew her and it was deeply ingrained in her so much that she instilled this in her grandchildren with her motto "Sharing is Caring". She truly enjoyed spending as much time as possible with all of them. In early days, she and Bernie would make trips to their sporting events to cheer them on from the sidelines. Her favorite time was spent with them hearing about their lives and accomplishments, and going out to lunch at many favorite spots in Billerica and nearby to the point where the wonderful wait staff would look forward to her visits as well. They would always have her table ready and her glass of wine on the way. She always remembered her grandchildren's birthdays, sending them cards with love and "Let's Do Lunch" noted inside. And when she met her
great-grandchildren they were the highlight of her days. The many blessings she held in her heart will always stay in each of ours.
Dale and Bernie enjoyed vacationing with their grandchildren at Old Orchard Beach, Maine and Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire and their travel adventures in retirement including cruises to Alaska, Panama Canal, and the Caribbean, trips to Ireland, California, Colorado, Las Vegas, and spending their winters in Vero Beach, Florida.
Dale is survived by her four children, Bernard F. Hoar, Jr. and his wife, Colleen of Haverhill. Kelly Ann Kist and her husband, Robert of Spring Hill, Florida. Michael P. Hoar of Billerica. Christine M. Dunleavy and her husband, John of Campton, New Hampshire. Her grandchildren, Nathaniel, Mitchell, Tamara, and Alexander Hoar, Kimberly Johnson Derby, Michaela and Justin Boudreau, Brianna Hoar, Brandon Viollette, Nickolas, Joseph, and Christian Hoar, Cara and Murphy Dunleavy. Her sister, Nancy Henderson of Hull, her brother, David E. Kelley and his wife, Kathleen of Westmoreland, New Hampshire and many special friends.
She was predeceased by her dear sister, Kathleen A. Kelley and her brother-in-law, William F. Henderson, III.
She also leaves behind four great grandchildren, four step-great grandchildren, two nieces, three nephews and their families. She will be deeply missed by all who loved her, the legacy of her kindness, compassion, and the countless lives she touched will live on forever.
All services will be privately held by the family at a later date when they can gather to celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the extraordinary life she lived.
Memorial donations may be made to the "Bernie and Dale Hoar Scholarship" at Shawsheen Technical High School Scholarship Fund, 100 Cook Street, Billerica, MA 01821.
