Eleanor C. Danko

Eleanor Catherine Danko, formerly of Reisterstown, beloved Mother, and Grandmother (Baba), passed away peacefully on March 29, 2020. She had been suffering from congestive heart failure and kidney failure.

She was the mother of John Danko, Jr., Joseph Danko, Sr., and Eleanor Danko-Waterman. She was "Baba" to John Danko III, Joseph Danko, Jr., Jonathan Danko, Jacob Danko, Mary Claire Waterman, Sophia Waterman, and Beatrice Waterman. She was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her first great-grandchild, a baby girl, due in August.

Eleanor was mother-in-law to Katherine Danko, Norinne Danko, and Chris Waterman. She was grand-mother-in-law to Jessica Krebs Danko.

She was preceded in death by her husband John Danko, Sr., mother Helen Timko Slivka, her father, John Slivka, Sr., and brother, John Slivka, Jr.

She was born in McAdoo, Pennsylvania, on July 1, 1932. Eleanor was married to John Danko for 24 years before his sudden passing in 1981. Eleanor never let his memory die and always shared stories of him with her children and grandchildren. She remained devoted to her "Danks" until the day she died.

Eleanor was a loving Wife, Mother, Baba, Daughter, and friend to many. She put her Family and Friends at the center of her life. She always was interested in how others were doing and cared deeply about God. She put others' needs before her own and gave those who knew her an absolute unconditional love. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Glyndon, Maryland, for many years as well as an active member of the Sacred Heart Sodality. Eleanor had a rich and full life that is marked by the impact she made on others.

Eleanor was a very keen observer of people and the weather. She kept a daily diary that included the weather observations of each day. In the long dark days of Winter, she looked forward to the longer days to come. One of her favorite days of the year was Groundhog Day, which she often celebrated with her grandchildren by baking cakes and singing songs. Any sign that Spring would come early and break the grasp of Winter's hold on the weather was gladly appreciated by Eleanor. The first sighting of a robin each year brought her great joy, and she was always sure to relay the sighting to her grandchildren. Her extraordinary memory and her overflowing joyful spirt was to be admired by all who were lucky enough to know her. She could remember the important dates of your life and what the weather was like for that day.

Eleanor's cooking for the holidays was not to be missed. She precisely and lovingly prepared wonderful dinners for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.  On Christmas Eve, there was great anticipation of her traditional Slovak homemade perogies, bread, and bobalki.  They will endure forever in the minds of those who were able to partake.

Her enduring love for her children and grandchildren will always be remembered. She selflessly gave of herself and her time to help with raising of all of her seven grandchildren. One could always count on "in-home Baba care" when and where it was needed. No explanation required. She would show up whenever she was needed to do whatever was necessary to help.  The offer of money was never accepted by her, even just for gas money. The unconditional love that she gave made her perfect Baba to her grandchildren. A parent might stop by to pick up their child from Baba's house, only to find them sitting on her bed, eating ice cream and watching TV. Baba's house was a truly magical place, where the word "no" was rarely heard by her grandchildren.

The world has lost a beautiful soul. Her life touched so many in profound ways. She is now free of pain and worry and is reunited with her beloved husband in eternal peace.

We want to thank those of Morningside House of Ellicott City and Gilchrist Hospice care for their loving care of Eleanor in her final days. They were a blessing to her and her family.

A  memorial mass and celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are by ECKHARDT FUNERAL CHAPEL, P.A., Owings Mills, Maryland.