Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home

ROCKLAND – Eleanor M. Dedekian, 90, died peacefully, with her loving husband at her side, following a period of declining health, Wednesday, July 17, 2012 at Knox Center for Long Term Care.
Born October 26, 1921, in Brooklyn, New York, she was the daughter of Frank and May Helm Scheid. Educated locally, Eleanor was a 1939 graduate of Julia Richmond High School in New York.
Following graduation, Eleanor enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. While stationed in Rockland, Eleanor met her future husband in a storybook-like meeting. She was serving as Pharmacists Mate and was assigned to sick bay at Rockland’s Tilson Avenue Station. Here she cared for fellow Coast Guardsman, George Dedekian while he was recovering following an automobile accident. After a brief courtship, the two were married on October 13, 1945 in Rockland.
After being discharged, the couple moved to Watertown, Massachusetts, where George was from. Eleanor began working for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Veteran’s Affairs. She later went to work for Raytheon. Mrs. Dedekian finished her career after 22 years with Liberty Mutual. She worked as a bookkeeper in the financial department, in a day and age where there were no computers, and work was done by hand. Her son remembers her coming home agonizing over a few pennies.
Her husband remembers her as an accomplished motor machinist, and together they worked on many engines with Eleanor assembling the pistons. Eleanor was a long-time active working member of the Shelby American Automotive Club. She had even been in a race car on the track with recently deceased automotive legend Caroll Shelby. She also enjoyed watching stock car racing.
Most of all Eleanor will be remembered as a loving and dedicated wife, as well as a great mother who took great care of her children.
Predeceased by a grandson, Jamie Dedekian; Eleanor is survived by her husband, George Dedekian of Rockland; her son Richard Dedekian and his wife Suzanne J. of Millbrook, Alabama; her daughters, Louise Dedekian of Nashua, New Hampshire, Cheryl Dedekian of Augusta; three grandchildren, Sarah Dedekian of Forestdale, Massachusetts, Megan Knowles of Calera, Alabama, Lee Knowles of Prattville, Alabama; as well as one great-grandson, Cameron Mason.
A graveside celebration of her life was held on Monday, July 23, 2012 at Achorn Cemetery, The Reverend Glen Mahaffey officiated.
Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.