Obituary of Eleanor Helene Claphan
Eleanor Helene Modovsky was born on August 2, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan. She was one of four children born to the union of John and Helen (Marchovich) Modovsky, Sr. After graduating from high school Eleanor attended Our Lady of Mercy where she obtained her Licensed Practical Nurse degree. She worked in healthcare for twenty years before her retirement.
Eleanor married the love of her life, Daniel P. Claphan on April 7, 1973, in Plymouth, Michigan. Together, they made their home and raised four children in Dundee, Michigan. Eleanor and Daniel would relocate to Florida for a few years before returning to Michigan and making Rockwood their home. The couple owned a horse farm where Eleanor fell in love with horseback riding. She treasured their property, taking great pride in its appearance, she planted more than one thousand trees. She also enjoyed gardening, always caring for a large flower and vegetable garden.
Eleanor loved watching television and saw every episode of the show Heartland. She was very caring and generous, always helping others and donating regularly to various foundations. She was very involved and supportive of her children’s lives whether it was attending a sporting event or driving one of them to their riding lessons but her true passion in life was spending time with her grandchildren.
Eleanor Helene Claphan, age 78 of Westland formerly of Rockwood passed away peacefully at home on Saturday; December 17, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. Her passing was preceded by her husband of forty-four years: Daniel Claphan; her parents: John and Helen Modovsky; her brother: John Modovsky Jr.; and her twin grandchildren: Max Richard and Helena Rose Catarelli.
To cherish Eleanor’s memory she leaves a son: James (Danielle) Claphan of Monroe; three daughters: Jennifer Claphan (Michelle Dawson) of Westland, Michigan, Kris Claphan (Anamarie Catarelli) of Brooklyn, New York, and Kathleen “Kat” Claphan of Auburn Hills, Michigan; one sister: Kristine Garrison of West Bloomfield, Michigan; one brother: Dennis (Sandy) Modovsky of Brooklyn, Michigan; and six grandchildren: Allissa (Will) Soloninka, Justin Claphan, Ashton Claphan, Brycen Dawson, Dragon Claphan. and Scarlett Catarelli.
Friends may gather on Wednesday; December 21, 2022, from 3:00pm until 6:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. At 6:00pm, during an open mic service, family and friends will be encouraged to share memories. Cremation will take place at the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation in Erie, Michigan.
For those desiring contributions, memorials are suggested to the family. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.