My heartfelt thanks to everyone who celebrated the life of my sweet Aunt Eleanor. My bowling buddy, my swimming partner, my whiffle ball teammate, my inspiration, my hero. She twice battled cancer, never once complaining, and fought bravely to the bitter end. Her fortitude came as no surprise as she overcame many challenges throughout her life. A lover ofContinue Reading
My heartfelt thanks to everyone who celebrated the life of my sweet Aunt Eleanor. My bowling buddy, my swimming partner, my whiffle ball teammate, my inspiration, my hero.
She twice battled cancer, never once complaining, and fought bravely to the bitter end. Her fortitude came as no surprise as she overcame many challenges throughout her life. A lover of music, with an encyclopedic knowledge of artists and songs, I can think of no other lyric that best describes Ellie than this one, fittingly from Springsteen since she always thought of herself as The Boss: “And your strength is devastating, in the face of all these odds…”
Born during a time when people with special needs were often unfairly and cruelly institutionalized, Ellie’s parents (the incomparable Hank and Jo) would have none of it. They proudly raised her in a home filled with the love of her 7 siblings and ensured that she received an education, a job and inclusiveness in a society that wasn’t always accepting of individuals that were deemed “different”. Ellie often would say “I got a life” and boy did she live it to the fullest, proving all those naysayers wrong.
She was the Mayor of Surrey Lane and knew everyone’s name. The lucky ones even got nicknames, some of which are probably unmentionable (mine was Little Man, hers was Stella Dora like the Breakfast Treat). Ellie always made an impression on people, even those who she never met before. She’d walk right up to strangers, shake their hand and say “hi pal”, immediately endearing herself to them and putting a smile on people’s faces.
I truly believe there are certain people put on earth for a purpose and Ellie was one of them. She was one of our greatest role models and taught us all the true meaning of dignity, respect, compassion and unconditional love. During a time of great turmoil and divisiveness in our society, we need more Ellie’s in this world.
I’d be remiss if I didn’t recognize my dear mother Joanne, who lovingly cared for Ellie every day, in sickness and in health, since Hank and Jo passed. She was more than Ellie’s legal guardian, she was her guardian angel and her parents would be so proud of how their oldest daughter took care of their baby daughter.
So as we say farewell for now and remember all the good times and lessons we learned from our great inspiration, I’ll think of her often. Whenever I hear thunder in the sky, I know it will be Ellie knocking down some bowling pins with that infectious smile. I’ll miss my pal Stella Dora. What a treat indeed she was to this world.
Love Always,
Little Man
Cousins Sue Ann & Mitch
left a message on September 4, 2019:
Dear Elly, you were a blessing to our family, full of joy and love. You will be missed!
Cousins Sue Ann & Mitch
left a message on September 4, 2019:
Dear Cousin Elly, you were a gift to our family, much loved, and sorely missed.
Joanne
left a message on August 26, 2019:
My sweet sister Ellie has passed after a courageous battle with cancer. She was more than just my baby sister, she was my hero, my teacher, my friend. She made me laugh every single day even when she wasn't feeling well. She taught me more about humanity than anyone I know. Ellie wasn't always a saint. She could easily change her mood or use a bad word(after all she was a Pfeffer) but just as easily endear you back with her infectious laugh and beautiful smile. Although my heart is aching, I made a promise to El to try be happy everyday, cherishing her memory and honoring her life because I know she would not want me to be sad. I would like to thank all our neighbors, family and friends and all Ellie's extended pals for your outpouring of love and support. We couldn't have done this without you. Your generosity of spirit and goodwill is truly amazing and I know Ellie felt it all! Till we meet again El, I love you always Sis, ❤Joanne P.s. say hi to Mom and Dad and the gang up there!
Noreen Heaney
left a message on August 24, 2019:
Very sorry to hear that Ellie has passed away. I have fond memories of her at 16 Surrey Lane. My sympathy to all of her family and those who had the Joy of knowing Eleanor.
Barbara Robertson
left a message on August 24, 2019:
I am so sorry to hear about Ellie! I have such wonderful memories of her as a child hanging out with Cathy & I. She was such a bright light & I know how much she will be missed!! RIP Ellie. ❤️
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Annette Spaulding
left a message on August 23, 2019:
I am so sorry fit the loss of Ellie. I got to know her from my friends, every time I saw her she was witty and always made me laugh. She was a sweetheart. RIP dear Ellie my prayers with you and your family. ❤️
Frank Pfeffer
left a message on August 23, 2019:
Ellie was the “Mayor of Surrey Lane”. She brought joy and love to everyone she met. She had an amazing memory and often reminded us of our old neighbors and friends. She loved music-was always singing and dancing and could name an old rock ‘n roll tune and the band in a few notes. She could spend hours coloring beautifully and would always enjoy a bowling outing. Somewhere along the way she became obsessed with Judge Judy and at times would pass judgment on her siblings.She was the beloved daughter of the late Jo & Hank Pfeffer, the loving sister and sister-in -law of Frank (Jean), Jim (Chi-Chi), Jo ( Steve), Cathy ( Tony), Tommy ( Barbara), Michael (Stacey) and Margaret. She was the favorite Aunt of Justin, Michael, Lauren, Liz, Kate, Tommy James, Jade, Luke, Jessica, Megan,Jake, Danielle and Madison. And she was loved by som many other relatives and friends.She brought joy and love to all and will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Cathy Napoli
left a message on August 22, 2019:
To my precious baby sister, Ellie. Your love and hysterical sense of humor has touched the lives of so many. I am so blessed to have had you as a sister. Rest in peace with mom and dad. Love you always.
Massapequa Funeral Home
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Cousins Sue Ann & Mitch
left a message on September 4, 2019:
Dear Elly, you were a blessing to our family, full of joy and love. You will be missed!
Cousins Sue Ann & Mitch
left a message on September 4, 2019:
Dear Cousin Elly, you were a gift to our family, much loved, and sorely missed.
Joanne
left a message on August 26, 2019:
My sweet sister Ellie has passed after a courageous battle with cancer. She was more than just my baby sister, she was my hero, my teacher, my friend. She made me laugh every single day even when she wasn't feeling well. She taught me more about humanity than anyone I know. Ellie wasn't always a saint. She could easily change her mood or use a bad word(after all she was a Pfeffer) but just as easily endear you back with her infectious laugh and beautiful smile. Although my heart is aching, I made a promise to El to try be happy everyday, cherishing her memory and honoring her life because I know she would not want me to be sad. I would like to thank all our neighbors, family and friends and all Ellie's extended pals for your outpouring of love and support. We couldn't have done this without you. Your generosity of spirit and goodwill is truly amazing and I know Ellie felt it all! Till we meet again El, I love you always Sis, ❤Joanne P.s. say hi to Mom and Dad and the gang up there!
Noreen Heaney
left a message on August 24, 2019:
Very sorry to hear that Ellie has passed away. I have fond memories of her at 16 Surrey Lane. My sympathy to all of her family and those who had the Joy of knowing Eleanor.
Barbara Robertson
left a message on August 24, 2019:
I am so sorry to hear about Ellie! I have such wonderful memories of her as a child hanging out with Cathy & I. She was such a bright light & I know how much she will be missed!! RIP Ellie. ❤️
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Annette Spaulding
left a message on August 23, 2019:
I am so sorry fit the loss of Ellie. I got to know her from my friends, every time I saw her she was witty and always made me laugh. She was a sweetheart. RIP dear Ellie my prayers with you and your family. ❤️
Frank Pfeffer
left a message on August 23, 2019:
Ellie was the “Mayor of Surrey Lane”. She brought joy and love to everyone she met. She had an amazing memory and often reminded us of our old neighbors and friends. She loved music-was always singing and dancing and could name an old rock ‘n roll tune and the band in a few notes. She could spend hours coloring beautifully and would always enjoy a bowling outing. Somewhere along the way she became obsessed with Judge Judy and at times would pass judgment on her siblings.She was the beloved daughter of the late Jo & Hank Pfeffer, the loving sister and sister-in -law of Frank (Jean), Jim (Chi-Chi), Jo ( Steve), Cathy ( Tony), Tommy ( Barbara), Michael (Stacey) and Margaret. She was the favorite Aunt of Justin, Michael, Lauren, Liz, Kate, Tommy James, Jade, Luke, Jessica, Megan,Jake, Danielle and Madison. And she was loved by som many other relatives and friends.She brought joy and love to all and will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Cathy Napoli
left a message on August 22, 2019:
To my precious baby sister, Ellie. Your love and hysterical sense of humor has touched the lives of so many. I am so blessed to have had you as a sister. Rest in peace with mom and dad. Love you always.
Massapequa Funeral Home
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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