Eleanor Zeff Obituary (1924 – 2022) – Modesto, CA

Eleanor Zeff
May 6, 1924 – March 7, 2022
Modesto, California – Eleanor Zeff was born in Modesto to Claude and Vera Smith Tobias on May 6, 1924. She passed from this earth peacefully, in her sleep, on March 7, 2022. She grew up during the Great Depression and later World War II. After graduating from Modesto High School, she joined the Sheriff’s Department where she became the first woman to complete the FBI fingerprinting school. She used this new technology in the apprehension of a fugitive for which she received a letter of commendation from J. Edgar Hoover.
After WW II, she met Albert (Babe) Zeff who had just returned to Modesto after combat in the Pacific Theater. They married and started a family, raising three children. She and Babe, who was an avid golfer, were involved in the founding of Del Rio Golf and Country Club where they built the family home she would live in for most of her life. She was a member of the Ladies 9 Hole Group.
She and Babe enjoyed traveling, especially to Hawaii and Palm Desert. She was an excellent cook.was well known for her cioppino and beef bourguignon. She was also passionate about art and attended Modesto Junior College where she studied watercolor and sculpture. She was the oldest graduate to walk the stage that year, a feat she was very proud of.
She loved animals, and would rescue any stray dog ​​in need. She raised quarter horses for show and for pleasure and enjoyed riding with her daughter, Maureen. Eleanor was a dedicated volunteer at the former Modesto State Hospital where she spent many hours brightening the lives of those with mental illness. Her interests were varied and included gardening and knitting.
Eleanor is survived by her sons, Jared (Lauren) Zeff, Vancouver, Washington, Steven (Jennie) Zeff, Modesto and daughter, Maureen (Stephen) Steger, Corpus Christi, Texas, as well as 8 grandchildren,
11 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
She was known as a good friend, a woman of elegance and generosity, kindness and virtue.
A private burial is planned.

Published by Modesto Bee on Mar. 27, 2022.