Obituary of Eleanor Ferenczy

Our dear mother, Eleanor Ferenczy (nee Knudson),  born February 13, 1924, passed away at the age of 100 on October 7, 2024.

Originally from Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, Eleanor moved to New York City with her parents in 1936. The family eventually settled on Staten Island where she resided the rest of her life.

She attended Curtis High School and received her undergraduate degree from Wagner College, later attending Columbia University in Manhattan where she received her masters degree in English Literature. 

While teaching nursery school in Port Richmond, she met her husband, Edward, and after a short engagement married on October 7, 1950.

Together they built their home on Willowbrook Road where they raised their family and invited many guests to share in their bounty of love and kindness. She received an award plaque  from the Preservation League of Staten Island paying tribute to the uniqueness of their masterfully crafted home.

The family were faithful members of St. John’s Lutheran Church and the children all attended  the church’s school where Eleanor later taught first grade and reading. 

Eleanor lived a life of devotion to her husband and children and to others. She loved to sing children’s songs and recite nursery rhymes. 

Always the perfect hostess with her warm smile and gracious personality, she put everyone immediately at ease. She loved to serve others, her children were her focus and purpose in life. Her love overflowed effortlessly to her children’s spouses, welcoming them into the family fold unconditionally. 

Her many grandchildren were her joy in life as her own children grew older and left the family home.  

She was a wonderful mother to her seven children and the whole endurin’ flock.

Eleanor leaves behind her seven children and their spouses: Edward (Suzanne) of Coxsackie, New York, Ellen (Murrell) Hilton of Gulfport Mississippi, Earle (Christine) of Milledgeville, Georgia, Jeffrey (Adrianne) of Staten Island, New York, Amy of Staten Island, New York, , William (Jeanine) of Athens, New York, , George (Clare) of Corning, New York, 32 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren (and counting). 

She  is predeceased by her husband Edward, sisters Edith (Happy) Shamblin , Patricia (Alistair) Forman, brother John (Edith, Viola) Knudson.

Visitation at the Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Thursday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm.  A Funeral Service is scheduled for Friday at 10:00 am, at the Funeral Home, with interment  to follow in Silver Mount Cemetery.