Eleanor Newman Fertsch, compassionate lover of all things living, passed away peacefully in the company of her family in the early morning hours of January 7, 2012, at the age of 86. In spite of an illness over the last years that sought to drain her energy, she retained her youthful exuberance until the last day. With her zest for life she drew others into new adventures—reading books, traveling, camping, or engaging new ideas and opportunities. Eleanor combined her creative flair with the highest professional skills in editing and administration, particularly at the University of Texas where she worked all her adult life in the College of Arts and Sciences and later in the Office of Chancellor and as editor of the Texas Quarterly. She was tireless. She was selfless, cheerful, gracious, and a true confidant.
Eleanor was preceded in death by her husband, Stanley Charles Fertsch, and is survived by her daughter, Sharon Pelphrey and husband Fr. Brendan (Brant); three grandchildren and their spouses, Michael and Amy Pelphrey, Andrew and Annie Pelphrey, and Marysa and Jacob Enis; and seven great-grandsons, Daniel, Matthew, David, Benjamin, Samuel, Nathaniel and Evan. "GG, we love you and will miss you."
Visitation at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, Lamar location, Monday from 1:30-4:00 p.m. Services will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday in the Chapel at First United Methodist Church, 1201 Lavaca, where she was married. Interment at Austin Memorial Park.