Eleanor Anne Terris

In Loving Memory of Eleanor Anne Terris (Ellie)
August 8, 1938 - October 4, 2025
With deep sorrow, we share that Eleanor Anne Terris—known lovingly as Ellie—passed away peacefully
on the morning of Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the age of 87.
Born in Central Square, New York, on August 8, 1938, Ellie was raised in her family homestead, where
her caring nature and nurturing spirit first took root. She graduated from Central Square High School and
went on to earn her degree in nursing from Syracuse General Hospital in 1959.
Ellie devoted her life to caring for others. Her nursing career spanned several decades and included work
in acute care hospitals, a state psychiatric facility for children, neighborhood health clinics, and
convalescent hospitals, where she served as Director of Nursing. She also operated her own board and
care home for individuals with Alzheimer's and later became a hospice nurse. In every role, Ellie brought
compassion, gentleness, and a calming presence, offering comfort not only to her patients but to their
families as well. She truly was an angel in human form.
A long-time advocate and active member of the Alzheimer's Association, Ellie faced a tragic irony when
she herself was diagnosed with the disease she had worked so passionately to ease in others. She lived
with grace and dignity through her 12-year journey with Alzheimer's, continuing to inspire those around
her with resilience and peace.
Ellie was also deeply involved in her spiritual community at her church, where she served as a prayer
practitioner and sang joyfully in the choir.
Ellie's many passions included music—she loved to sing and play the piano and was a devoted
symphony-goer. An adventurous cook, she experimented with dishes from the pages of Julia Child's
cookbook to a paella she fell in love with at the 1964 World's Fair. Her love for food and travel took her
on a memorable cooking tour through Tuscany in the early 2000s.
A lifelong animal lover, Ellie especially adored cats and supported animal welfare causes throughout her
life. Her home and garden were often graced with images of Saint Francis, a symbol of her deep
reverence for all living beings.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 42 years, Richard; her mother, Esther; her brother,
Jackie; and her sister, Betty. She is lovingly remembered by her son, Paul, and daughter, Nina; her
daughter-in-law, Victoria, and son-in-law, Lee; her grandchildren Rachel, Joshua, Jacob, and Clarissa; and
her great-granddaughters, Ember and Cienna.
Ellie's warmth, generosity, and light touched everyone who knew her. Her radiant smile could brighten
any room, and her laughter was music to the soul. She was a devoted mother, sister, aunt, grandmother,
great-grandmother ("GG"), and friend. She nurtured not only bodies, but also spirits—offering healing
through prayer, crystals, essential oils, and kind words. She believed that life was a spiritual journey and
that death is simply the next great adventure.
Her absence leaves a profound void, but her legacy of love, kindness, and healing will live on in all those
she touched.
She will be sorely missed—and always remembered.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Alzheimer's Association, American Cancer Association, or
Actblue.
Services will be held on November 15, 2025 at 3:30 pm at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, 6300 Forest
Lawn Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068