Eudora L. Leverance, 91, of Neenah, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2009, at Theda Clark Medical Center after a short illness.

Eudora was born March 19, 1918, in Wisconsin Rapids, the daughter of the late George and Clara (Wilhorn) Leverance.

Eudora graduated from Merrill High School; Lincoln County Teachers College; UW-Stevens Point with an elementary teaching degree; and lastly UW-Milwaukee with a degree in Special Education. She began her teaching career in rural schools in Lincoln County, and then taught elementary and special education in Port Edwards, Nekoosa and Neenah. Eudora moved to Neenah in 1955, and retired in 1986. She was the Neenah Teacher of the Year in 1966 and the Wisconsin State Special Education Teacher of the Year in 1983. Several times in her career, Eudora taught multiple generations of the same family, and she remained in contact with many students and their families long after they left her classroom.

Eudora was a long-time member of the Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Neenah where she was active in Ladies Aid and the Altar Guild. She was also a member of the Neenah School District Quarter Century Club, the Winnebago County Retired Teachers Association, the Neenah Historical Society, and ARC of Neenah/Menasha, where she served on the board for many years.

Eudora was devoted to her extended family, and we will all miss her strength and intelligence, and her inspiring independence. Survivors include three nephews, Michael (Nancy) Kent, Jeffrey (Cheryl) Kent, Robert (Linda) Karau; great-nieces and nephews, Christa, Ryan, Bethany, Jon and Jordan; her life-long second family, Gail (Ken) Smith, Randy (Lesley) Smith and their daughters; and numerous other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by a brother, Donald; and three sisters, Loretta, Luella and Marion.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, 2009, at Martin Luther Church, in Neenah, with the Rev. Richard I. Krahn II officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until the hour of service Thursday at the church. Interment will follow the service in Forest Hill Cemetery in Wisconsin Rapids at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial is being established for Martin Luther Church; or please make a donation to the charity of your choice.

Westgor Funeral Home, 205 W. Doty Ave., Neenah, is handling arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.westgorfuneralhomes.com.