IN MEMORIAM: Eleanor V. Bronner, 88;

Raised Harness Horses Near Cooperstown

COOPERSTOWN – Eleanor V. Bronner, 88, who with her husband trained harness horses on their Ricetown Road property in the Town of Middlefield, died Saturday evening, March 3, surrounded by her loving family.

Born Aug. 4, 1929, and raised in The Bronx, she was the daughter of Leslie and Alma (Becker) Lyle. Although raised in the city, Eleanor adored the country and nature. She married Charles Bronner on July 4, 1968, in Middlefield. Following her move to this area, she adopted rural life and became an avid and daily walker, observing nature in all its detail and glory.

Eleanor was also a lover of animals, especially horses and dogs, and she and Charles began breeding and training harness horses on their Ricetown Road property, as well as establishing and operating a tree farm selling Christmas trees, wreaths and greens thereon.

Eleanor absolutely adored working with, caring for, and watching their horses run on the training track which they had created on their property. They enjoyed watching their horses race at Vernon Downs and Monticello.

As might be expected of a nature lover, Eleanor also enjoyed gardening and the produce she derived therefrom. She and Charles were active participants in the Cooperstown Farmer’s Market for many years.

The only thing Eleanor loved more than nature and animals was her family and grandchildren. She relished their presence and they in turn enjoyed her love, warmth and great sense of humor.

Eleanor was predeceased by her husband Charles in 2000. She is survived by her children, David Demirjean of Florida, Melanie Demirjean of Fishkill, Diane Campagna of Cooperstown, and Lorelei Demirjean of Holley, Orleans County. She is also survived by her grandson, Jeremy Campagna (Jessica) and their two sons, Trevor and Nathaniel, all of Cooperstown; and her grandson Jasen Campagna of Utah. She was predeceased by her only sibling, Evelyn Walla, of Long Island.

A funeral service will be at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 8, at the Tillapaugh Funeral Home, 28 Pioneer St., Cooperstown. Friends may call prior to the service from 4 to 5:30 p.m., when the family will be in attendance.

Arrangements are under the care of Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown.