Eleanor May Davies Gordon, "Scottie", age, 66, of Bloomsburg, a lawyer educator was a popular professor at Cheyney University, Lincoln University and Immaculata University, all of Pennsylvania, died on Monday, November 8, 2010, at Columbia Montour Home Hospice at Maria Hall, following a battle with cancer.
Scottie was a Master teacher who had the ability to break things down so that even the lowliest of students could grasp the subject whether it was taxes, accounting or business law. "She is the only teacher I know who received Christmas cards from students who failed her class," claims her spouse.
She was born on May 27, 1944 in Glasgow, Scotland, she emigrated from there to the United States with her parents, the Rev. Dr. Rhys and Nancy Price, graduating from Red Bank High School in New Bethlehem, PA, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, magna cum laude, and from the Temple University Beasley School of Law, summa cum laude earning a Juris Doctorate in 1986.
Her energy was infectious, as she complemented her husband Gene in his own studies and in endeavors as diverse as chairing the Chester County Democratic Committee and leading the Cheyney Cheerleaders. Scottie had a passion for thinking clearly about all things and was an avid reader, well versed in all manner of subjects. "If you ever had her over at your place or visited hers it would be best that you not challenge her to Trivial Pursuits or Jeopardy."
An Elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA), Scottie reflected the deeply held beliefs of her father and applied much of those beliefs to her daily living and interaction with others. She was formerly a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Malvern, where she was the children's choir director. Scottie argued vociferously against injustice and prided herself in standing up for the rights not only of blacks and women, but also for those of minorities from Native Americans to undocumented workers.
Her marriage to Gene spanned forty-six years and yielded two children: Dylan Rhys Gordon, and his wife, Lisa, of West Chester, and Jennifer Elaine Eichner and her husband, Mike, of Evans Mills, NY as well as three grandsons: Michael and William Eichner and Evan Gordon all of who survive her along with her sister: Ann Dalsimer of Arlington, VA; nieces: Alison and Melanie Dalsimer and cousins abroad.
She moved to Bloomsburg in 1993 with her husband, Rev. Dr. Gene M. Gordon, a professor of Bloomsburg University, soon after rehabilitation from a subdural hematoma which left her paralyzed and unable to practice law. Despite her changed status, Scottie was open about her paralysis and did not allow it to prevent her from lecturing on Women's rights or being the lector for church services at the First Presbyterian Church in Bloomsburg, where she was most recently a member. Eventually, she developed lymphoma and after a courageous battle succumbed to its pernicious aggression. Her love and compelling presence will live on in our hearts as we remember and attempt to emulate this woman of peace, dedication and joy. We give thanks to the Lord God for her life and times and for the privilege of her being a part of our lives.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 13 at 4:30 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 345 Market Street in Bloomsburg with Rev. Stephen L. Cureton, officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Old Brick Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Cape May, NJ. Memorial contributions are suggested to: Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America, Eastern PA Chapter, 555 North Lane, Suite 5010, Conshohocken, PA 19428. The Gordon family is being assisted by the Allen Funeral Home of 745 Market at Eighth Street in Bloomsburg. For those unable to personally attend, online condolences are available at Allen-FuneralHome.com.