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In memory of

Eleanor Zuccaro

of Midland, South Dakota, died on Friday, October 4, 2019 at her home east of Midland at the age of 75

Eleanor Claire (Mathews) Zuccaro, age 75, of Midland, passed away on October 4th, 2019. She fought a courageous battle with cancer and her wishes to pass away at home were honored.

Eleanor was born to the late Ralph and Pauline (Herman) Mathews on March 3, 1944. She was raised on the Mathews ranch north of Draper, SD and attended country school during her elementary years. She graduated from Riggs High School in Pierre, South Dakota in 1962. During high school she met Charles Zuccaro while enjoying a night of roller skating. They were married on August 13, 1962 and they built their home on the Zuccaro ranch east of Midland. They had two daughters, Paula and Christina.

Eleanor enjoyed ranching life and was a rare soul who took the job of eradicating Canadian Thistle seriously. She was especially proud of the trees she planted around the ranch and took great pride in watching them grow. Eleanor was the consummate host. She always had a fresh cup of coffee for a guest and was quick to set an extra plate for dinner; no one went away hungry. Her love of dancing was passed onto her daughters and grandchildren who she taught to dance in the living room. She taught the importance of taking care of nature and animals and always stressed education and hard work.

She loved her dogs, DeDe, Toby, Abby and Buddy and adopted a stray cat whom she named Tommy Tunes.

She is survived by her husband, Charles; daughters, Paula (Scott Carson) and Christina (Edward Temengil); grandchildren, Nastassia (Michael) Janes and Christian Alavi; great-granddaughter, Karoline Alavi; step-grandson ChiJay; sister, Patricia Greer; brothers, Philip (Audrey) Mathews, Gerald (Wanda) Mathews, and Fredrick (Mary) Mathews; and a host of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Pauline Mathews; niece Lynda Oldaker; and nephews Larry Mathews and Mike Oldaker.

The family wishes to thank all those who were involved in her care, especially Mayo Clinic Oncology and the Pierre Avera Oncology Infusion doctors, nurses, and staff. Also a thank you to all friends and family who sent cards and well wishes to Eleanor, they lifted her spirits.

Eleanor requested to be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. A mass at St. Williams Church in Midland will be held in her honor on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 7:00 pm. After the mass the family welcomes everybody to join them at Midland Food and Fuel for a time of refreshments and good laughs.

Instead of flowers the family requests donations to be made to your area animal rescue in honor of Eleanor.

Eleanor requested to be cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. A mass at St. Williams Church in Midland will be held in her honor on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 7:00 pm. After the mass the family welcomes everybody to join them at Midland Food and Fuel for a time of refreshments and good laughs.

  • In learning of Eleanor's passing my thoughts went off on a journey of memories. Paula and our daughter, Charlene, were high school classmates and graduates at Midland High School. Charlene and April had fun times with Paula & Chrissy. And I so enjoyed visiting with Eleanor. She was one of a kind with her smile, positive attitude, and her zest for life. Which was a pure testimony of this special lady who was a gift of blessings to all who knew her. Our prayers to Chuck, Paula, and Chrissy. Rest on God's Peace and His Heavenly Angels, my friend. ~ Jerry & Sonia Nemec Edgewood Vista in Spearfish, SD (10/13/2019)
  • This dear lady will be missed. Deepest sympathy. ~ Joni (Block) Tharaldsen Watertown SD (10/11/2019)
  • So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers for her family. ~ Lana Bonhorst Carroll Pierre (10/11/2019)
  • We are truly sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Please accept our condolences and may our prayers help comfort you. May God give Eleanor eternal rest. ~ James&Deonne Taylor Rapid City, SD (10/11/2019)
  • Rest In Peace my dear friend. You are now with your mom. Condolences to her family. ~ Kay Calkins Venjohn Lakeland Florida (10/10/2019)
  • I have so many memories of great times spent with this special lady. rest in peace, Eleanor. My sympathy to all her family. ~ Pat Snook Rapid City, S. D. (10/9/2019)
  • Our thought and prayers are with you during the difficult time. She will be missed but never forgotten. ~ Brent and Julie Saucerman Lawton, Ok (10/7/2019)
  • Dear Charles, Chrissy & Paula - Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your wife and mother. I was very honored to have had the opportunity to meet her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. ~ Kathy Pierre (10/7/2019)
  • Paula: My thoughts and prayers for you and your family with the loss of your Mom. ~ Janel Brown Rapid City (10/7/2019)
  • I wanted to extend my deepest sympathy to Eleanors' entire family. She was such an inspiration to my daughter Heather and I when Heather fought breast cancer. I always felt better after a heart to heart chat with her. She was a true warrior and I feel honored to have met her and called her my friend. ~ Judith Goldhammer Wall SD (10/6/2019)
  • I was so sorry to hear of Elanor's passing. What a great lady. I am grateful to have called her friend. God Bless you all. ~ Kelly Blair Milesville (10/6/2019)
  • Oh, Chuck ! So very sorry to hear this news! You most certainly are in our thoughts and prayers. John & Sue Kaiser ~ John & Sue Kaiser Kadoka, SD (10/5/2019)