In Memory of Eleanor Anna DeStefano

Obituary

Eleanor “Ellie” Anna (Meier) DeStefano, 91, of New Hartford, NY was peacefully called to the Lord on Friday October 22, 2021, with her daughter by her side, and her sons all close by with love at the Masonic Care Community. She was born in Schenectady, NY on December 29, 1929, to the late William & Julia Meier and was predeceased by her sister, Helen Rowley, and her brother Donald Meier.

Eleanor graduated from Niskayuna High School, Schenectady, NY in 1947. She went on to Ithaca College and graduated in 1951 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education. There she met the love of her life, Peter DeStefano. They married in 1951 and eventually made their home in New Hartford. Peter passed away on May 9, 1988 after 35 years of marriage.
She is survived by her four sons John (Janine) DeStefano, Peter (Joanne) DeStefano, Paul (Lisa) DeStefano, and James (Tina) DeStefano and her daughter Andrea (Carl) Dziekan. She is also survived by her cherished 13 grandchildren Ryan (Kate) DeStefano, Eric (Stephanie) DeStefano, Julianna (Tim) Jordan, Peter (Julie) DeStefano, Alaena (Andrew) Maiorano, Sarah (Ben) Newman, Maria (Chuck) Burkhead, Lindsey (Aaron) Snodgrass, Erin (Tyler) Cox, Jimmy (Courtney) DeStefano, Andrew Dziekan, Matthew Dziekan and fiancé Madeline Mahoney, and Carly Dziekan, and two step-grandchildren Tim (Emily) Breau and Kelcey Frassica. Eleanor is survived by her 18 adored great grandchildren, Mackenzie, Charlotte, Harrison, Kennedy, Hadley, Jonathan, Harper, Chloe, Isabella, Peter Jr., Luca, Nico, Sloan, Beatrice, Ava, Mona, Raymond, and Lilly; as well as several nieces and nephews. She leaves behind many close friends, including Sue and Jerry Amoroso and their son Paul, Arlene Dziekan, Ruth and Millie from Acacia Village, and the afternoon bridge and card players.

After raising her children, she worked as a physical education teacher for twenty years for the Utica School system. She was also a dedicated volunteer for the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts of America and taught swimming lessons at the Bromwich homestead during the summer. She was seen often at many of her grandchildrens sporting events near and far, cheering on their high school and college teams. Her faith and family was the utmost of importance.

Eleanor enjoyed all sports and was active in tennis, golf, ice skating, swimming and cross-country skiing. She was a great partner with Pete at many Folk dances. Eleanor was active at the St John’s Parish in New Hartford, New York; helped establish the Grieving Widows Support Group; and, served as a Eucharistic Minister.

Eleanor established a second home in York, Maine shortly after Pete passed away. She spent her next 30 summers hosting many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She volunteered several years as a hostess at Sohier Park Gift shop, Nubble Lighthouse, York Beach, Maine.

The family would like to extend their sincerest and deepest gratitude for the care provided by the staff at Acacia Village and Troy Hall at the Masonic Care Community. A special thank you to Dr. Kevin McCormick and Head Nurse MaryBeth Hartman for the end of life comfort care that kept Eleanor at peace during the final days of life.

At Pete’s passing, he told Eleanor “There is work still waiting for you, so you must not idly stand; When that work is all completed, He will gently call you home. Oh, the rapture of that meeting. Oh, the joy to see you come.” After 33 years, they are together again in heaven.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours 10:00-11:15 AM on Friday, November 5th at Friedel, Williams and Edmunds Funeral and Cremation Services, 13 Oxford New Hartford New York. A Mass of Christian burial will follow at St. John the Evangelist Church 66 Oxford Road, New Hartford, New York at 12:00 PM. Entombment will take place at Holy Trinity Cemetery Mausoleum, Champlin Ave, Utica, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted on Eleanor’s behalf to the American Red Cross Utica Chapter 125 Business Park Dr. #110, Utica, New York 13502. Envelopes will also be provided.