Obituary of Eleonora King
Eleonora King, 87 of Canandaigua, New York passed away, like she lived her life, with her family by her side on Friday, September 7, 2018. Ellie was a first generation American. Born of Italian immigrants Adelia and Nicola Paluzzi. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 6, 1930. Her parents owned a grocery store where she worked as a young girl serving the Italian community of Detroit. She graduated Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Clothing and Textile Merchandising. After working in the industry, she decided to go back to Wayne State to earn her degree in Home Economics Education. She taught in Detroit for 3 years before meeting Robert King on a blind date in 1956. They were married August 17, 1957 and thus began the King family. They had 6 children in 7 years. Ellie and Bob owned 2 restaurants, a snowmobile shop, and a catering business throughout their lives. Ellie managed 6 children and ran the businesses, but her professional passion and love was for teaching. While living in Honeoye she was a substitute teacher. Much to the chagrin of her children who frequently had her as their teacher. In 1977 they moved to Canandaigua and she began her career as a Home and Careers and Family Living teacher at Red Jacket. While at Red Jacket she was a member of the famous “lunch club” where she had an adoptive family of teachers who shared their lives together every day. She mentored students as a teacher, counselor, and most importantly listener to the brokenhearted after school for 15 years. Up until the day she died she would hear from students about the positive impact she had on their lives.
Her legacy in life and her biggest source of joy was her family. As a mother and wife, she was a fierce advocate, protector and cheerleader. Her strength and her ability to convince you that you could do anything were the backbone of her family. She made each child, grandchild, and great-grandchild feel like they were the most important person in the world. She had a unique relationship with each person. She was the first person to call with a question, crises or advice.
She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Robert; her six children, Michael (Pamela), Elizabeth (Richard), Mark (Mary), Mathew (Janna), Elaina (Jeffrey), and Marty (Kristin); 18 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Emma (Mike), predeceased brother Rocco, several nieces and nephews; predeceased mother and father Adelia and Nicola Paluzzi.
In the waning days of her life Eleonora was lovingly cared for at Light Hill Comfort Care Home in Canandaigua. The family is forever grateful for their kindness, compassion, and care. From the director to every volunteer in the organization, they provided a gentle touch, a kind word, a thoughtful act and a kiss upon Ellie’s forehead. They were in tune with her needs, learned about her likes and dislikes and went so far above and beyond what anyone could expect to ensure that Ellie and her entire family were cared for. Please send in lieu of flowers donations to this incredible non-profit organization. Light Hill, 5160 Parrish St Extension, Canandaigua, NY 14424. Or online at www.lighthillhome.org.
Calling hours are Thursday, September 13 from 4:00-8:00 pm at Fuller Funeral Home, 190 Buffalo Street, Canandaigua, NY. There will be a funeral service at Calvary Chapel Finger Lakes, 1777 Rochester Road, Farmington, NY on Friday, September 14 at 3:30 pm.
