Eleanor Scheece Kane

Eleanor Scheece Kane, longtime Walla Walla resident, passed away on May 23, 2014, at the age of 90.

Born and raised in Walla Walla, she was the daughter of Beulah and Martin Scheece, attending Green Park Elementary and Walla Walla High School. She graduated from the University of Washington, where she was a member of Alpha Chi Sorority, Mortar Board and Theta Sigma Phi journalism honorary.

A journalism career led her to positions with the Seattle Star, Walla Walla Union-Bulletin and to New York, working with Fairchild Publications on Women’s Wear Daily magazine, then to Portland as bureau chief for Fairchild business publications.

Eleanor married Maurice R. “Bud” Kane on Sept. 9, 1956, in New York City, and they subsequently moved to Washington D.C. He died in 1965.

After moving back to Walla Walla in 1968, she worked in community relations at St. Mary Medical Center. Her proudest professional affiliation was serving as the founding administrator of the Blue Mountain Community Foundation, shepherding the public charitable foundation in its beginning years, until her retirement in 1999.

Eleanor left her mark on the community through her volunteer service, including League of Women Voters, Walla Walla County Solid Waste Commission, City and Regional Planning Commissions, citizens’ advisory committees, Bicentennial Committee, Sister City Committee, Blue Mountain Action Council Board. She enjoyed her involvement with Alpha Chi Alumnae, Sunshine Club, Walla Walla Symphony, and the Democratic Party.

Eleanor is survived by two daughters, Margaret Kane (Tom Kamm) of Woodinville, Wash., and Kathleen Nelson (Michael) of Laguna Niguel, Calif.; and two grandchildren, Blair and Reid Nelson, both of Dallas, Texas. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Lisa Ellen Kane, in 1965. She was blessed with many lifelong friends whom she cherished so much.

Memorial services are scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at 11 a.m., at Herring Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Blue Mountain Community Foundation – Eleanor Kane Fund through the funeral
home.