OJAI: Eleanor E. Kalita was born in Chicago on December 14, 1925 to Polish immigrants Frank Kalita and Bernice Wojdyla. Despite being the youngest of 5, she was fiercely independent and began working for Pacific Bell during WWII while still attending high school. Eleanor would go on to work for Pacific Bell (AT&T) for 46 years and become the first woman to be promoted to work in the men's section.
Eleanor moved from Chicago to California with her best friend, the late Ann Crilly, in 1953. Eleanor became a dedicated Godmother and integral member of the family for both Ann, her daughter Eleanor, and in the years to come, to her granddaughter Nicole. Eleanor was endlessly selfless and charitable with those she loved and always put others before herself.
Eleanor is survived by her goddaughter Eleanor, son in law Dale, granddaughter Nicole, and her faithful dog Copper.