Eleanor Alice (McPherson) Trask

HALLOWELL – Eleanor Trask, 95, of Hallowell, died Oct. 8, 2024, at her home following a long illness.

She married Robert N. Trask of Hallowell Dec. 13, 1951, in Folkston, Ga. They then lived in Cuba and New Jersey before settling back in Hallowell in 1956. Robert passed on in 2007.

She was employed by the State Department of Education in Augusta from 1947-1952, and again in 1956. She was secretary to the Communication Officer at the Naval Base in Cuba from 1952 to 1953 and to the supply officer at the Naval Base in Bayonne, N.J. from 1953-1954. She was employed as secretary to the principal at Hallowell and then Hall-Dale High School from 1959-1992.

She was predeceased by her parents Harold and Alice McPherson; brothers Harry and his wife Cynthia and Ernest McPherson, sisters Marjorie and husband Fred, their son Mark and daughter Kathy; Mary and her husband Jim Cunnion, and Ruth and her husband Bill Bradley. She was also predeceased by brother and sisters-in-law Donald Trask and wife Annie, Leslie Trask and his wife Mary and second wife Helen; and a special sister-in-law, Patricia McPherson and her daughter Nancy McPherson Hammon.

She is survived by daughter, Karen Trask-Gardiner and her husband Conrad Gardiner; son, Bruce Trask, his wife Kathy and their son Derek and Derek’s son, Maxwell Mitchell, and Bruce and Kathys daughter Nicole Trask. She is also survived by son, Mark Trask, wife Susan and their son, Eli and his wife Annie and grandson Kevin Trask, grandson Justin Trask and his wife Hattie and their daughters Olivia, Bella and Madelyn. She is also survived by brother, John McPherson, and sister, Alice Perry (husband Eric) and sister, Linda McPherson; and many nieces and nephews.

Mom pre-wrote most of the preceding obituary years ago. Her daughter and sons leave these final notes:

From Karen: Mom was the heart of our family and Dad the strength. She was quick to smile and had a huge sense of humor. She would tell us stories and poems from her childhood. She initially was taught in a one room schoolhouse and as part of a punishment for being a naughty girl there she learned to recite the alphabet in reverse with incredible speed! We shared a love of Hawaii and in her 80s she taught me how to snorkel. Rest now Mom. We will meet again. And oh yes, I was her favorite!

From Bruce: My mother was the best parent anyone could have. She was loving, caring and understanding. I was lucky to have her as a mother. Oh, by the way, I believe I was her favorite!

From Mark: Mom had a heart big enough for any child. Every child was her “Darling”. I could not have asked for a better mother. I was her favorite…. So don’t believe Karen or Bruce!

Eleanor’s visitation will be held on Friday, Oct. 18, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., at Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home, 1 Church St., Augusta, with a funeral service immediately after. Following the funeral, the burial will take place at the Hallowell Cemetery, 27 Water St., Hallowell. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to join the family and continue Eleanor’s celebration of life at the American Legion Post 2, 7 Legion Dr., Augusta.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home and Cremation Care, One Church St., Augusta. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Knowlton and Hewins Funeral Home website, http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.

She requested contributions made in her memory to the Goodrich-Caldwell American Legion Post No. 6 Hallowell or the Hubbard Free Library in Hallowell, or The Alzheimer’s Association.