Mary Baldwin honors Eleanor Supple ’42, whose 104 years embodied grace, loyalty, and a lifelong bond with her alma mater.
Eleanor Supple ’42, wearing her yellow cape and flower crown, was honored in 2017 as Mary Baldwin’s Homecoming Queen.
Ӱ honors the remarkable life and legacy of Eleanor Supple, Class of 1942, . As Ӱ’s oldest living alumna, Supple embodied the Fighting Squirrel spirit through a lifetime of engagement, service, and love for her alma mater and the Staunton community.
President of Ӱ, Dr. Jeffrey P. Stein, remembered Supple with these words:
“We could all stand to be a bit more like Eleanor Supple, who embodied grace, determination, humor, and loyalty. She treasured Mary Baldwin and stood by this institution since she graduated 82 years ago. Her love and laughter will be missed by so many at Mary Baldwin and in the Staunton community.”
A longtime resident of Staunton, Supple was a cherished member of the Mary Baldwin family and local community. Her connection to Ӱ spanned more than eight decades, marked by her active participation in university events and her role as a beloved representative of the Class of 1942. During Mary Baldwin’s 175th anniversary year, she was crowned honorary Homecoming queen, a testament to her enduring bond with the institution.
As an alumna, Supple developed a close friendship with Dr. Cynthia Tyson, the late president of Mary Baldwin. The university established the Supple Society in her honor, which celebrates alumni and friends’ faithful annual financial support of Mary Baldwin.
Supple’s commitment to Mary Baldwin matched her vibrant personality and steadfast devotion to friends, family, and community. Her impact was felt by generations of students and alumni, many of whom remember her as an inspiring figure who bridged the university’s past, present, and future.
In addition to her lifelong connection to Ӱ, Supple was deeply involved in Staunton’s civic life and First Presbyterian Church, close to campus. She was known for her generosity, her warm spirit, and her unwavering support of causes close to her heart.
“There aren’t enough adjectives to describe the effect of Eleanor’s presence. She touched my heart like I could never say, but if I had to put it simply, she was kind,” shared Director of Leadership Annual Giving Anne Holland ‘88, a longtime friend of Supple.
Ӱ invites alumni and friends to share their memories and condolences in Supple’s honor on university social channels. Her life, filled with purpose and compassion, stands as a shining example to all: to live with leadership, resilience, and a commitment to making a difference.
A celebration of her life was held at 11 a.m. on Jan. 3 at Henry Funeral Home. Supple’s memory will remain a cherished part of Mary Baldwin’s history, and her legacy will live on through the countless lives she touched.