Obituary of Eleanor Koelling

Eleanor (Schwartz) Koelling (“Ellie”), age 83, died at her daughter's home surrounded by family, on July 31, 2024, after a long battle with cancer.

Born in Queens, New York in February 1941, Ellie was raised during one of the most turbulent times in history. Perhaps that is why she was such a strong fighter. Ellie married at an early age and had two children by the age of 23: Lewis and Tammy. Abandoned by her husband, she was a single mom left with two infants. Ellie remarried in 1969, at the age of twenty-eight to her husband Stanley Koelling.  Stan had three teenage children of his own: Susan, Arden, and Paul.  Lewis and Tammy met their new siblings on Ellie and Stan’s honeymoon.  Ellie was a wonderful mother and homemaker. She fostered a relationship with all her children. She managed to make a railroad apartment in Queens feel like the most warm and comfortable home. Ellie kept her home immaculately clean.  Her home always had an aroma of homemade baked goods.  

Once Lewis and Tammy entered the public school system, she became heavily involved with the Parent Teachers’ Association (“PTA”). She was the President of the PTA and later became the President of the Presidents Panel. Ellie used her fighting spirit during the desegregation court hearings in the mid-to-late 70s.  Ellie worked closely with Ed Koch during a time when racial tensions were high.

Ellie returned to the workforce in the late 70s. Starting as a secretarial temp for Manufacturers Hanover Bank.  She was offered a full-time position as a research librarian.  With two incomes, she continued to create a better life for her family.  

Post retirement, Ellie found tremendous joy in helping to raise her grandchildren: Katie, Megan and Matthew. She also became an active member in her local chapter of the Democratic Party.  She passionately encouraged young people to register to vote and have their voices heard.

Ellie is survived by her two siblings: Robert Schwartz and Karen Danin, her son Lewis DeJoseph, her daughter Tamara (“Tammy”) O’Leary, her son-in-law Thomas O’Leary, her stepdaughter Arden Grosso, five grandchildren: Kathryn O’Leary, Megan O’Leary, Matthew O’Leary, Michelle Grosso-Roxby and Courtney Evans and three great-grandchildren: Oliver, James and Shannon.  She is predeceased by her husband: Stanley Koelling and two stepchildren: Susan Koelling and Paul Koelling. 

Visitation will be held at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, 414 Washington St Peekskill, NY 10566 on Friday, August 9, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Celebration of Life will be held at Joseph F. Nardone Funeral Home, 414 Washington St Peekskill, NY 10566 on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at 10:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for contributions to Memorial Sloan Kettering, New York.

Private Cremation ceremony to follow.

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