Martha Eleanor McDaniel

August 8, 1923 - April 1, 2022

Martha Eleanor Roberts McDaniel, age 98, passed away at her home April 1, 2022, after a long, productive life. A native of Syracuse, NY, Eleanor graduated from Syracuse University in 1945 with a Bachelor's of Music Education. She was a member of Alpha Omicron Pi as well as Sigma Alpha Iota, music fraternity. As an accompanist and piano teacher for more than 70 years, Eleanor instructed hundreds of pupils, many of whom became lifelong friends. She continued to share her musical talents well into her 90s, playing music for Sunday services at local nursing homes. She also was a long-time member of First Baptist Church Leesburg, singing alto in the Sanctuary Choir for 65 years. Some of her other musical activities included accompanying community choruses and playing for Leesburg Kiwanis Club. Other favorite pastimes included reading, swimming, working out at the Wellness Center, playing bridge with friends and board games with grandchildren. Eleanor also loved traveling with her beloved husband, Fred McDaniel. Some of their favorite destinations were Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, Germany, and Nova Scotia. She is predeceased by her parents, Georgeanna and Horace Roberts; her husband of 64 years, Fred McDaniel; and her brother and sister-in-law, Leland and Charlotte Roberts. Eleanor is survived by her six children and their spouses: Carol (Graham) Selick; Phyllis (Ron) Anderson; Roberta (Sans) Lassiter; Charles (Teri) McDaniel; Tom (Sharon) McDaniel; and Stephen (Tina) McDaniel. She also is survived by 13 grandchildren: Kathryn (Jerrod); Sharon; Melinda (Doug); Diron (Megan); Aaron (Crystal); Lauren; Jesse (Sophia); Jeremy (Jessika); Jessica (Casey); Amanda (Bryan); Michael; Clayton (Julie); Austin (Courtney). Her growing list of 16 great-grandchildren with ages ranging from 20 years to 3 weeks includes Hayden, Georgeanna, Oliver, Emily, Jacob, Robert, Peter, Genesis, Kelilah, Micaiah, John, Amanda Robin, Ryan, Alexis, Emma, and Lincoln. More extended family includes Eleanor's cousin, Cindy (Kenneth) Reeves; nephews, Leland (Gretchen) Roberts; David (Denise) Roberts; John (Christine) Roberts; and her niece, Susan (Mitch) Hansberry, and their families. The family is especially appreciative of the wonderful care-givers who attended her in these last months: Lynn and Mary from Granny Nannies and Mindy, Rondai, and Carmen from VITAS hospice service. We also are thankful for the many friends and neighbors who helped lift our spirits through her last months. Like her husband before her, she has donated her remains to the University of Central Florida Teaching Hospital.Eleanor's memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church Leesburg on May 7, 2022 with a family visitation starting at 10:00 AM and the memorial service at 11:00 AM. Arrangements have been made through Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Leesburg, Fl. For those who wish to give a donation in Eleanor McDaniel's memory, please consider the American Cancer Society, the Leesburg Kiwanis Club (noon), VITAS hospice service, or a charitable organization of your choice.