Eleonore (Holger) Reeve

Eleonore Holger Reeve, 90, formerly of Bristol passed away October 21, 2025 at Lunabrook of Torrington.

Eleonore  was born in Allenburg, Prussia, in 1935. Her early years were happy until World War II began when she was nine years old. Her mother, Frieda, and five siblings fled on foot to escape the constant bombing and devastation. Her father was unable to leave, as he had been drafted into the military. The family eventually reached a refugee camp in Denmark before being relocated to Winzer, Germany, where they were reunited with their father. Like her mother, Eleonore’s  was extraordinarily resourceful in providing for her children during those difficult times. Robert later documented her memoirs, capturing what she endured and how those experiences shaped her life. From that point forward, she valued every little thing.

As a teenager, Eleonore found employment in Ulm as a governess. One day, while traveling home from work, she caught the eye of Robert, an American soldier. For two weeks, he waited each day, hoping to see her again—and eventually, he did. Though she initially told him to “get lost,” Robert was undeterred. They married in Germany, and after Robert had to return to America with his unit, Eleonore waited a year for her immigration papers, as many records had been destroyed during the war. She finally joined him in the United States, and they settled in New Britain, Connecticut, from 1953 to 1966.

The couple later moved to Bristol, Connecticut, where they remained until Robert’s passing in 2020. Robert lovingly cared for Eleonore as she battled vascular dementia. After his death, she moved to assisted living in Torrington, Connecticut. Eleonore loved gardening, her weekly Kaffee Klatsch with her German friends, annual vacations to Disney World with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and the many friends she and Robert made there. Eleonore also ran a successful craft business and enjoyed countless family gatherings. Eleonore also worked alongside Robert at Industrial Automation as his bookkeeper and cook, preparing lunch every day for employees and visitors alike. She was happiest when Robert was by her side. For five years, she never stopped asking about him—and now, they are together again.

Eleonore was the last surviving member of the Holger family. She is survived by her children: Carolyn Reeve of Torrington, CT; Robert Reeve Jr. and his wife, Sandra, of Plainville, CT; Christel Reeve and her husband, Gordon Barr, of Sturbridge, MA; and Steven Reeve and his partner, Beth Meese, of Isle La Motte, VT. She also leaves behind five beloved grandchildren—Randall Stelma of Torrington, CT; David Marsh Jr. of Miami, FL; Candace Reeve of Portland, ME; Robert S. Reeve of Waltham, MA; and Rebecca Reeve- Bennett of Brooklyn, NY—and six great-grandchildren: Kyla, Kora, Kaleb, Kady, Kayse, and Kaira Stelma, all of Torrington, CT.

A Funeral Mass will be held Monday Oct. 27 at 11:30 at Immaculate Heart Church in Harwinton. Burial will follow at Burlington Center Cemetery. Friends may call at Phalen Funeral home Monday from 10-11 AM . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

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