Eleanor (Juengst) Blankenburg

Eleanor Astrid (Juengst) Blankenburg, 88, of South Windsor, beloved wife of the late William Edward Blankenburg Jr., passed away peacefully at Hartford Hospital on Sunday, January 11, surrounded by her loving family. Born in New Britain on December 12, 1937, Eleanor was the daughter of Frederick and Astrid (Johnson) Juengst. She graduated from New Britain Senior High School in 1955 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the Teachers College of Connecticut in 1959, followed by a Master of Arts degree from the University of Connecticut in 1960. On July 30, 1960, Eleanor married William Edward Blankenburg Jr., with whom she shared 62 years of marriage. Formerly of Newington, they traveled frequently, particularly to the Caribbean and the Dutch Antilles, and built a home on the island of Bonaire. They also spent many years visiting Hilton Head Island and enjoyed cruising, forming lasting friendships along the way. Eleanor was an avid reader and had a lifelong involvement in the arts. She was active with Theatre Newington as both an actress and business manager and performed in plays during her high school and college years. She was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church in New Britain. She was also a skilled seamstress and quilter, teaching sewing at the New Britain YWCA and in her later years creating quilt tops for charitable organizations. While living in Bonaire, she contributed to a Papiamentu–English dictionary project, serving as the English consultant, editor, proofreader, and advisor. Eleanor was known for her thoughtfulness and quiet generosity, and for the care she showed to family, friends, and community. She is survived by her children, Melinda (Ralph) Dawley of Missouri, Frederick (Babs Kirchner) Blankenburg of Pennsylvania, and Scott (Irene) Blankenburg of Berlin; her grandchildren, Alyssa (Matt) Moore, Mason Blankenburg, Madison Blankenburg, Linnea (Roger) Cruz, Tyler Dawley, Ryan and Matthew Karpinski; and her great-granddaughters, Isla, Maelin, and Gemma Moore. She is also survived by her siblings, Linda Eckblom of Manchester and Frederick (Dotty) Juengst of Wisconsin; several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers, Henry and James Juengst. Funeral services are Thursday (Jan 15, 2026) 11 AM at Carlson Funeral Home, 45 Franklin Square, New Britain. Calling hours are Thursday morning from 10 to 11 AM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at West Lane Cemetery. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Hartford Hospital for their compassionate and excellent care. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eleanor’s memory to Wayside Waifs, 3901 Martha Truman Road, Kansas City, MO 64137or Our Companions Animal Rescue, 34 Sanrico Dr., Manchester, CT 06042. Please share a memory or note of sympathy at www.carlsonfuneralhome.com

Eleanor (Juengst) Blankenburg

December 12, 1937 - January 11, 2026

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Eleanor (Juengst) Blankenburg

December 12, 1937 - January 11, 2026

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