Eleanor Pudil Anop

Eleanor Pudil Anop, a devoted wife and mother, beloved grandmother, and distinguished educator, peacefully departed this world on September 24, 2026, at the age of 100. Born on May 7, 1926, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Mollie (Selais) and Harry Pudil, Eleanor's life was a testament to her unyielding dedication and love of family, faith, friends, and classical music. Raised in Maple Heights, Ohio, Eleanor graduated from Maple Heights High School before pursuing her passion for music at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Initially a trombone major, Eleanor's exceptional and God-given, rare contralto voice was soon recognized by the faculty, who encouraged her to switch majors. She graduated with both a Bachelor and Master of Music in Vocal Performance, showcasing her rare and beautiful contralto voice. In 1956, Eleanor married the love of her life, William Wesley Anop, in Maple Heights, Ohio. Together they shared 53 wonderful years, raising their cherished daughter Lenora Marya Anop. Eleanor's family was her greatest joy, and she was a devoted grandmother to Matthew Richard and William Steven Dykewicz. Eleanor's professional journey was as remarkable as her personal one. She broke new ground as the first female tenured Full Professor in the Music Department at Kent State University, where she taught for 20 years. Her career then took her to Denver, Colorado, where she continued to inspire students at Colorado Women's College, the University of Denver, and the University of Colorado at Boulder. Later, she returned to her roots in Cleveland to teach at the Cleveland Institute of Music, her alma mater. A woman ahead of her time, Eleanor was known for her exceptional work ethic and ability to face adversity with courage and composure. Her intelligence and directness were matched only by her warmth and kindness. Eleanor found joy in her faith, family, and classical music, which remained central to her life until the very end. Eleanor is predeceased by her beloved parents, Mollie and Harry Pudil, and her dear husband, William Wesley Anop. She is survived by her daughter, Lenora Marya Anop; her son-in-law, Dr. Mark Dykewicz; and her treasured grandchildren, Matthew Richard and William Steven Dykewicz. A service to honor and celebrate Eleanor's life will be held on October 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, located at 2747 Fairmount Blvd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44106. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the St. Paul's Episcopal Church Music Department (OH), First Baptist Church of Bedford (OH), or the Bach Society of Saint Louis (MO). Eleanor Pudil Anop's legacy lives on in the hearts of her beautiful family, incredible friends, and countless students who were touched by her wisdom and love. She will be deeply missed but fondly remembered for the profound impact she had on those around her.