Eleanor Brumfield, co-owner of Dave’s Pools in Greenfield, Ind., died Oct. 29 in Fort Myers Beach, Fla., after a fight with cancer. She was 67.
“Eleanor had a great vision and direction that helped retailers identify upcoming trends and understand the need as small business owners to diversify their businesses,” said Penny Johnson, owner of Johnson Pools and Spas, based in Huntsville, Ala.
Born in Kokomo, Ind., on March 26, 1944, Brumfield studied business at Ball State University, graduating in 1964. In 1978, she and husband David opened Indiana-based Shirley Hardware, which relocated to Greenfield and became Dave’s Pools, a retail and service store and builder of inground pools.
Brumfield was an active member of NSPI, precursor to APSP, and served as vice president of the National Board of Directors from 1994 to 1997. She participated in several regional committees, and served as the Indiana Chapter and Region 5 president in 1991. In 1997, she chaired the Retailers Council, which she also helped to develop.
One of her favorite pastimes was decorating, a passion she translated into profit during the store’s off-season.
“The Christmas shop displayed Eleanor’s unique style and taste, with custom-lit trees and custom-made arrangements and designs,” said Christy Brumfield, her daughter-in-law and office manager of Dave’s Pools.
A celebration of her life was held Nov. 6 in Greenfield. Brumfield is survived by her husband of 47 years, two children and three grandchildren.
