Elenora R Sabin

Obituary for Elenora R. “Rose” Sabin

Elenora Sabin, known to many fans and friends by her pen name, E. Rose Sabin, died on Tuesday, July 22, in St. Petersburg, Florida. She was 89 years old.

Elenora was born on January 15, 1936, in Erie, Pennsylvania, to Earl Duane Sabin and Florence Elenora Sabin (Schmidt). After losing both parents at the age of 12, Elenora lived with family in Erie before moving to St. Petersburg, Florida, where she was blessed to join the home of the Findeisons, and gained many brothers and sisters.

Elenora received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from Baylor University in 1956, and a Master’s degree from the University of South Florida. She taught Spanish and English at Disston Junior High School, then Pinellas Park Middle School, where she worked until 1987. Elenora also spent six years as an adjunct instructor at St. Petersburg College.

After she retired from teaching, Elenora turned full-time to pursue her passion for writing, winning numerous awards for short stories and books and leaving a library of 18 published young adult fantasy and adult science fiction books. Elenora’s passion for writing extended to others. She was an active participant in several writing groups throughout southern Pinellas and traveled to many book conventions, where she was often a featured speaker. She also gave generously of her time to mentor budding writers.

In addition to her intellectual pursuits, Elenora was passionate about her love of animals and rescued several dogs throughout her life. She was also a longtime supporter of the Dali Museum and attended many programs there.

Elenora was preceded in death by her mother, Florence; her foster parents, William and Marian Findeison; her foster brother Johnny and sister Carol; and her niece, Polly Laurenzo. She is survived by her foster siblings, Bill Findeison, and his wife Polly, Evelie Davis (Findeison), and Barbara Lavin; her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and her beloved canine companion, Pixie.

A private burial was held at Heartwood Preserve, a natural cemetery within a 41-acre conservation sanctuary in Pasco County. A celebration of Elenora’s life is being planned for mid-August in the St. Petersburg area.