Eleanor Cappaert, 92, of East Moline, Illinois, passed away Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Celebrate of Moline. Funeral services will be 12 PM Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Van Hoe Funeral Home, East Moline. Burial will be in Greenview Cemetery, Silvis, Illinois. Visitation will be 5-7 PM Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Van Hoe Funeral Home, East Moline. 

Eleanor Marie Cappaert was born on November 13, 1933, in Iowa City, Iowa to Raymond and Edna M. Haase. She was raised with her brother, William by their mother in East Moline. 

Ele graduated from United Township High School. She had various jobs throughout her lifetime, retiring from Royal Neighbors of America. 

Ele was united in marriage to Richard L. Cappaert. Together they raised their three children, Cindi, Rick, and Mike in East Moline. They spent many happy years camping and traveling across the country with their children. They were also members of the East Moline Exchange Club. Richard proceeded her in death on September 15, 1988. 

Ele was very talented. She was an expert seamstress, sewing clothes for her family. She was proud of the fact that she sewed her daughters’ wedding and attendants dresses. She loved to tell stories of how she learned to tat, crochet, knit, cross stitch and quilt. Her quilts were much sought after by each family member, hoping to receive the gift of a much-cherished quilt each Christmas. Ele’s favorite holiday was Christmas. Anyone who knew her was well aware of this, especially her love of all things Santa. 

Ele fulfilled her dream to travel the world. She and husband, Richard traveled to Germany together. After Richard’s early passing, she joined Club Met, making great friends while traveling to China, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, France, and Africa to name a few. She loved the elephants and rode a camel. 

Ele is survived by her daughter Cindi and son in law Mark Gast of Coal Valley, IL, her son, Richard II and daughter in law Linda of Chesterfield, MO. Her beloved granddaughters, Elyssa Henderson and husband Jordan, of Saint Peters, MO and Rebecca Cappaert of Tampa, FL. Her great joy was meeting her great-granddaughter, Vivian Henderson of Saint Peters, MO. Other survivors include: sister-in-law, Pauline Cappaert, Marie Langan, Mary Stuart, and many nieces and nephews of the Cappaert and Stuart families. Mommy Ele is also survived by Randy Harvey who was always considered part of the Cappaert family. Ele is proceeded in death by her mother, husband, son, Michael, brother, William Stuart and grandson, Henry T. Cappaert. 

The family would like to thank the staff of Celebrate of Moline and Heartland Hospice for the loving care they provided to our mother. She had a quick wit and joke for everyone. 

Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice or The American Heart Association.