Eleanor E. Diefendorf, 88 of Dexter, passed away at Samaritan Medical Center on December 26th following a brief illness. Eleanor was born December 1, 1927 in Dexter, the daughter of Herbert and Emma Johnson Westcott. She graduated from Dexter High School as Valedictorian in 1945 and went to the Watertown School of Commerce until 1947. She worked as a secretary for Agricultural Insurance Co. from 1947 until 1957. Then worked later on at the Ray Linehan Ins. Co. in the late 1970's. She married Robert N. Diefendorf on June 18, 1949 at the Dexter United Methodist Church by Rev. Kenneth Jones. The couple remained in Dexter and Robert passed away October 24, 1999. She was a member of the Dexter United Methodist Church for over 70 years and was the organist for over 20 years. She was a member of United Methodist Women and "Come Join Us" Club, Dexter Historical Society, and enjoyed camping and traveling with her family. Eleanor is survived by three children: Kevin and Bonnie Diefendorf of Brownville, Susan and Michael Fitzgerald of Watertown, Sharon and Terry Jeffers of Dexter. She is also survived by grandchildren: Scott Fitzgerald, Joanna White, Brian Diefendorf, Brittany Warnock, Emily Diefendorf and Erick Jeffers and great grandchildren Leah Fitzgerald and Logan White. Funeral services will be Wednesday December 30th at 2:00 PM at the Johnson Funeral Home, Dexter with Pastor Sally Buyea of Dexter United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will be private in Dexter Cemetery. Calling hours will be Wednesday from 12:00-2:00 pm prior to the funeral. Donations may be made to the Dexter United Methodist Church P.O. Box 642 Dexter, N.Y. 13634. Online condolences may be sent to dexterfuneralhome.com