Eleanor Elise Bischoff, age 92, of Old Saybrook, passed away peacefully at home March 22 surrounded by her family. She was born in Charleston, South Carolina, on June 23, 1922. She was predeceased by her husband Lt. Cmdr. (Merchant Marine) Edward S. Bischoff. She was the daughter of the late Harry A. and Laurabelle (Jordan) Smith.

Elise was a past chairman of the Old Saybrook Historical Society Herb Garden Committee and one of the original creators of the Hart House Herb Garden. She belonged to the Old Saybrook Garden Club, and was a life member of the Connecticut Federation of State Garden Clubs. A graduate of Agnes Scott College (1942), she was a member of the American Association of University Women. She was also a member of the Opera Theater of Connecticut, and belonged to the Cappella Cantorum since 1971. She was an emeritus member of Grace Episcopal Church Altar Guild and the church choir since 1970.

Elise is survived by two sons, Theodore Arthur Bischoff and his wife Margaret (Drury) of Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Robert Eugene Bischoff and his wife Marcia Ann of Clinton; and a son-in-law, Robert E. Okell, of Scotch Plains, New Jersey. She is also survived by two grandsons, David J. Bischoff of Somerville, Massachusetts, and Colin Okell of Scotch Plains, New Jersey; and a granddaughter, Elise Marie Bischoff of Los Angeles, California. Elise was predeceased by her daughter Laura Claire Bischoff Okell.

Memorial services will be held at Grace Episcopal Church in Old Saybrook on April 23 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be at First Church Congregational Memorial Garden. Swan Funeral Home, 1224 Boston Post Rd., Old Saybrook, is in charge of arrangements. Please visit www.swanfuneralhomeoldsaybook.com for online condolences and tributes.