Eleanor Fernandes

Eleanor Fernandes, a lifelong resident of Hanford, passed away on August 7, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on April 20, 1937, Eleanor was the beloved daughter of Johnny and Clara Desouza, who instilled in her a deep and abiding love for the rodeo and the western lifestyle that defined their community. This passion for western culture and traditions, was a thread that ran throughout her entire life. As a young woman, Eleanor attended Hanford High, discovering another passion for performance through the drum and bugle corps & baton twirling. As an accomplished baton twirler, she went on to compete and win accolades around the state. In her adult life, Eleanor was a remarkable woman of many talents. She was a self-taught genealogist and a dedicated historian with an insatiable curiosity about the world around her. She spent countless hours researching local families and native tribes, and her thirst for knowledge extended to the cultural and anthropological history of both California and the United States. Eleanor was a warm and generous spirit who loved sharing her findings with others and her historical society.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 55 years, James Fernandes. Blessed by family, she is survived by her sons, Lee Fernandes - espoused to Penelope Fernandes, and James J. Fernandes. She leaves behind her grandchildren, Jordan, Kylie, Hope, and Faith Fernandes. Eleanor's legacy of passion, curiosity, and love for her community will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A graveside memorial service will be held for family and friends on August 29, 2025 at 10am at Calvary Cemetery, 11680 S. 10th Ave, Hanford, CA

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eleanor Fernandes, please visit our floral store.