Obituary of Eleanor Borden Wattie

Eleanor Borden Wattie, aged 99, passed away peacefully on December 3 at Buena Vida Estates in Melbourne, Florida, where she had lived for nearly 25 years. She was the widow of Gardner C. Borden and Robert T. Wattie.

Born in Fall River, MA on March 20, 1921, she was the daughter of George H. Comstock and Mary (Powers) Comstock, and sister of Voila, Ruth, Gladys, and Sherman Comstock. She was a graduate of BMC Durfee High School in Fall River, where she grew up. Most of her married life she dedicated to raising her three children and being a loving partner to her husbands.

She was very active in resident leadership at Buena Vida Estates, including serving as the President of the Residents’ Association. She took great joy in planning weekly Vesper services as well as assisting families of deceased residents with memorial service arrangements. She also volunteered in various community organizations, and was a long time member and a leader in the music ministry of Eastminster Presbyterian Church of Indialantic, Florida. She began a life-long career in church music at the age of eight in her home city of Fall River, and later served for 30 years as soloist and choir director in Rehoboth, MA. Prior to that, she was a 30-year member, soloist, and choir director at Rehoboth Congregational Church in Rehoboth, Massachusetts. She will be remembered for her giving heart, her love of music and her beautiful soprano voice. Eleanor joined her husband Gardner in leading the Cape Cod Unit of the Wally Byam Airstream trailering club, which they both enjoyed greatly.

Eleanor was pre-deceased by her husband of 40 years, Gardner C. Borden, husband Robert T. Wattie, and daughter Christine B. Jennings. Eleanor is survived by her children Priscilla Sibley of Oak Park, IL and her husband Donald Sibley; her son Jonathan Borden of Pooler, Georgia and his wife Soon-ok Borden; stepson Robert Wattie and his wife Sue Wattie of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; seven grandchildren and step grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren and step great grandchildren. Her family remained the center of her life and interest until her passing.

There are no funeral services planned at this time. Internment will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Fall River, Massachusetts.