University of Connecticut Athletics
Eleanor DeGrand: The Legacy Lives On
1/2/2015 12:00:00 AM | UConn Club
Eleanor DeGrand had two passions in life: her family and UConn Women's Basketball.
When she wasn't busy raising five children, all born within nine years of each other, Eleanor was an active member of the West Haven community. For several years she served as the city's Parks and Recreation Commissioner, she was involved with the West Haven Veterans War Museum, and for 14 years she was president of the family business, John DeGrand and Son Inc.
But when the UConn Women's Basketball team was in action, everyone knew where to find her.
"Every time UConn Women's Basketball played, my grandma would go to the living room with a big bowl of ice cream so she could watch the game on TV by herself," recalls her grandson Michael DeGrand. "She loved watching the girls play so much, she didn't want to miss a single play. When the game started, we knew we shouldn't bother grandma."
When the game was over, and once she finished her ice cream, Eleanor would always get together with her close friend and fellow UConn Women's Basketball enthusiast Beth Sabo. Together, the two could spend hours talking about the latest game.
"My mother would light up every time she talked about UConn Women's Basketball," said her daughter Susan Conlon. "She was always an advocate for women and she loved the state of Connecticut. It's great that she had such close friend like Beth who she could share that with."
Through the support of her close knit family and friends, Eleanor was continuously surrounded by loving and caring individuals.
However, in the fall of 2013, she was given devastating news. Eleanor was diagnosed with cancer.
As Eleanor courageously fought her battle against the disease, the family was focused on lifting her spirts. One evening in February, Michael was talking with his dad when they thought to themselves, "Grandma loves UConn Women's Basketball; we should reach out to them to see if there is anything they can do to cheer her up."
|
 |
A few days after the initial conversation with his dad, Michael made a phone call to UConn Athletics. During his call, he was put in touch with former UConn Women's Basketball Player and current Director of Major Gifts, Meg Culmo '92. During their conversation, Michael told her about his grandma's condition and how much she loved UConn Women's Basketball.
"I figured I had nothing to lose by making a phone call," said Michael. "My grandma was going through a tough time and we just wanted to do something that would make her happy. We were hopeful they might send a poster or a ball, but what we got was so much more than that."
As soon as their conversation came to an end, Meg knew she had to do something for Eleanor.
"I was incredibly touched that Michael reached out to us to help his sick grandma," said Meg. "For as long as I can remember, UConn Women's Basketball has always been about family. This family is more than just the players and coaches; it includes each and every person that's supported the program through the years. To think that we could make a difference in Eleanor's life really meant a lot."
Shortly after their first phone conversation, Meg visited Eleanor and the DeGrand family at their home in West Haven. The two women immediately connected and developed a fast friendship. Throughout the afternoon, they shared stories and reminisced about their favorite memories of UConn Women's Basketball. Meg brought Eleanor some special gifts including an autographed basketball, a poster, and, of course, ice cream.
"Mom was absolutely touched by the gifts," said Susan. "Every time she had a visitor, the first thing she would do is show them the autographed UConn basketball that Meg gave to her."
Over the coming weeks, Meg would regularly stay in touch and visit with Eleanor as she formed a bond with the entire DeGrand family. Sadly, during this time Eleanor's health continued to deteriorate.
After a six month battle with cancer, Eleanor passed away peacefully at her home on May 21st. She was 80 years old.
"Eleanor was such a sweet lady," said Meg. "I feel truly honored that I had the privilege of getting to know such an amazing person. To think I could bring a bit of joy to her in her final months because I played basketball at UConn is incredible. Without question, this is one of the most rewarding things I have ever been a part of. It really shows how powerful sports can be."
Though Eleanor has passed, Meg has remained close with Susan and the entire DeGrand family.
During a conversation over the summer, Meg presented Susan with an idea that would allow Eleanor's name and legacy to live on through UConn Women's Basketball. By making a $25,000 gift in support of the Werth Family UConn Basketball Champions Center, the family would have the opportunity to name a locker inside the new facility in honor of Eleanor.
"From the moment Meg told us about the opportunity to name a locker in her honor, it was really a no brainer," said Susan. "We knew this would be the perfect tribute to my mother."
When the Werth Family UConn Basketball Champions Center was dedicated in October, Susan was in attendance. Joining her that night in Storrs was none other than Eleanor's closest UConn Women's Basketball enthusiast, Beth Sabo.
As the pair toured the new state-of-the-art practice facility, they were very impressed. However there was one part of the evening that stood out.
"When we walked into the women's locker room, it was an incredible feeling to see a plaque with my mother's name on it." said Susan. "She was never a person who sought the spotlight, but this really is the perfect way to remember her. Personally it means a lot to know her name will always be surrounded by so many other great women that have been part of UConn Women's Basketball."
"It's surreal to think this all happened because of a phone call I made a few months ago," Michael said. "Meg and everybody at UConn was a wonderful support system for my grandma. They truly went beyond our wildest dreams to make her feel like she is a part of the women's basketball family. I can't thank them enough for what they did for her."
