Eleanor M. Jessen died April 22 in Turlock following a long illness. She was born in 1933 in Anaheim, to Margaret and Lowell Jessen. 

Her early childhood was spent in Holtville, near the Mexican border. She moved to Turlock at age 8, attended Lowell School and graduated from Turlock High School in 1950. After two years at Stanford University, she transferred to the University of Nevada at Reno, where she earned a degree in Journalism.

While interning at a Reno newspaper, she met Homer Brown, a serviceman with Armed Services Radio. Shortly after they were married, he was assigned to work in Hollywood. Eleanor reported for weekly newspapers in the area. On his discharge, the couple moved to Norman, Okla., where Homer worked on a doctoral degree. Eleanor began graduate work in psychology and reported for the Noman newspaper. She later earned a doctorate in clinical psychology.

Most of her professional career was with the State of Oklahoma. She counseled and tested juveniles in the state prison system for many years. Before retiring, she headed the department finding new homes for children of failed adoptions. At various times she had a private practice in Oklahoma City and in Dallas, Texas. She also spent a year as a psychology reporter for the Los Angeles Times.

Eleanor loved to travel and was an accomplished cook. She also loved playing bridge and getting together with family and friends. She belonged to the Tuesday Reading Club.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents and a nephew, Donald Chittock of Turlock. She is survived by a sister, Diane Chittock of Turlock, nephews Richard Foster of Berkeley and Stephen Chittock of Oregon; nieces Melissa Foster of Salinas, Nancy Morris of Klamath Falls, Ore., and Nanette Austin of Turlock. She will also be missed by many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews, and many friends.

A memorial service will be held Monday, April 30, at 10 a.m. at Turlock Memorial Park chapel, 425 N. Soderquist Road, Turlock. Inurnment will be private.