Eleanor J. Mayer, 98, of Lincoln, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, at HopeHealth Hospice in Providence, following a brief illness.  She was the beloved wife (67 years) of the late Harry Mayer who predeceased her.

Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Albert and Louise (Hebert) Corey.  Her brother, Albert Corey Jr, and her sister, Bette, both predeceased her.

In her early teen years, Eleanor learned how to yodel and sing from her brother.  Soon she was singing and tap dancing in venues across Pawtucket and Central Falls.  She also sang on the radio.  From these early experiences came a life-long love of music, singing, and dancing.  In her late teens, she moved with her parents to Florida where she began work as a waitress.  She loved waitressing and the opportunity it gave her to converse with many different people so much that she remained in Florida when her parents returned to RI.

Eleanor eventually returned to RI and began working at Sayles Finishing in Saylesville.  She became an accomplished sewer, making most of her own clothes.  She continued working at Sayles Finishing until her marriage to Harry.  They moved to Providence where they started their family.  She decided to use her talents as a seamstress to make blouses and aprons for the wives of the men working in the factory where Harry worked.  He would carry the items into work, and the other men would purchase the items for their wives.  She was always very proud of her ability to contribute to the household expenses through her special talent.  After the birth of their second child, they moved to Lincoln where they raised their family.

Eleanor was the loving mother of Michael Mayer and his wife, Betty, of Lincoln; Michele Mayer and her husband Dan DeAmaral, of Lincoln, and Mark Mayer and his wife, Marie, of Lincoln.  She was also the cherished Nana to her eight grandchildren: Tonya Norftill, Tiffany Mayer, Trisha Mayer, Marissa Mayer, Lindsay Mayer, Stacey Mayer, Corey Mayer, and Carissa DeAmaral; and several great-grandchildren.  Eleanor was always available to lend a hand or give a hug, and her home was a gathering place for the extended family.

A housewife for most of her life, Eleanor volunteered her time working at the Lonsdale Elementary library where she always had a smile and a kind word for each child checking out a book.  She also worked at the local election polling station for many years enjoying greeting each neighbor who arrived to vote. She eventually worked for the Li'l General in Pawtucket on the deli counter where she loved engaging and joking with all the customers.

Eleanor enjoyed weekly dancing with Harry, reading, completing crossword puzzles, traveling with family and friends, holiday gatherings, shopping where she could buy gifts for her children and grandchildren, yodeling, and singing.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Holiday Retirement Home for the care and kindness they provided to Eleanor over the last three years, especially everyone who worked with her on Watch Hill 2.  In particular, we would like to give special thanks to Samantha (Sam), a CNA who connected with our mother from the very beginning.  Sam's love for Eleanor was evident every day and they became very special friends. Eleanor thrived under Sam's care, love, and tenderness for which we are forever grateful.

At the request of the family, services will be private.