Obituary of Eleanor M. Scott

Eleanor (Nonie) Moran Scott died surrounded by her loving family on February 25, 2026, just one day after celebrating her 91st birthday.

Born in Frackville, Pennsylvania on February 24, 1935 to the late Kathryn (O'Donnell) Moran and Martin Moran, Nonie, who named herself because she couldn't say Eleanor, was the fourth of four children. She was educated in Frackville, Pennsylvania, excelling (as was no surprise to anyone who knew her as an adult) in theater, writing and speech.

Nonie attended Pennsylvania State University, where she began a lifelong love of Penn State sports of all kinds, especially football. She was among the first women in radio station management there, and debuted a 15-minute program called "Just Out," hosting discussions of recently published books, magazines and newspaper articles. In May of 1955 she was chosen by the speech department to attend the Convention of American Women in Radio and Television in Chicago, IL. It was also at Penn State that she met the love of her life, Thomas J. Scott, introduced by Tom's brother Bob who remains a cherished part of the family.

She and Tom were married in June of 1958.The couple lived briefly in California before returning to the east coast, settling in Clinton, New York in 1966 in what they fondly called the family homestead.

After her children were grown and in school, Nonie took on a new challenge at Kirkland College, eventually appointed as Dean of Student Affairs. She was deeply embedded in the Clinton community as a member of the Garden Club and the Monday Club, served on several local boards, performed in many productions at Players Theater, and later starred in a local production of George Bernard Shaw's Don Juan in Hell. She would eventually become an accredited judge for the New York State Fair floral competition.

Nonie was pre-deceased by her parents, her brothers Edward “Ted” Moran and Jack Moran, and her sister Regina “Jean” Miller.

She is survived by her children Karen, Jonathan (Janet), and Kathryn; her grandchildren Thomas Grisham (Morgan), Mitchell Grisham (Chika), and Justin Scott; and her great-grandchildren Grace Eleanor Grisham who carries her name, Yuna Jamie Grisham and Taki Liam Grisham. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to thank the staff at Waterville Residential Care Center for their kind care and attention to Nonie, with special thanks to those who visited to say good-bye and helped her transition.

The family will have a celebration of Nonie’s life sometime in the spring.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that you please consider a donation in Nonie’s name to the House of the Good Shepherd in Utica, NY, or a charity of your choice.