Elinor L. Surgener, 87

Elinor L. (Esch) Surgener, 87, wife of the late Frederick H. Surgener, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 29, 2022, at Frederick Living.

Born in Elkhart, IN, she was the daughter of the late David and Evelyn (Emmert) Esch.

Ellie attended Goshen College in Indiana, and after graduation, she moved to Philadelphia to work for Jefferson University's research lab. She lived in downtown Philadelphia and quickly became a member of the 10th Presbyterian Church near Rittenhouse Square, where she would eventually meet her future husband, Fred.

Ellie was a kind, caring, and fun-loving person and will be missed by all who knew her. She was an excellent role model for her family and friends. Having a robust faith in God, she was very involved at First Presbyterian Church, singing in the choir, teaching Sunday school, and volunteering in various ministries.

Ellie loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and would attend their sports and school events whenever possible. Ellie adored spending time with all of her family and loved going to the Jersey shore with them, especially Cape May and Ocean City, NJ making it a yearly gathering.

Ellie loved gardening and enjoyed her bird feeders, bird watching, butterflies, and all of nature. Ellie was an animal lover, and when she was at home, you would usually find her with a cat on her lap for most of her adult life.

Ellie was a long-suffering Philadelphia sports fan, especially the Phillies and Eagles. She rarely missed a game on TV and enjoyed attending Phillies games with her late husband and family despite most years' inevitable disappointment.

Surviving are her children Tina Nicholas; Steve Surgener; and Cindi Ly, wife of Hung Ly; siblings Lora Miranda, wife of Angel; Carl Esch, husband of Bonnie; Karen Patrick, wife of Tony; and Thom Esch; 7 grandchildren; and 4 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 11:00AM at First Presbyterian Church (113 E Airy St, Norristown, PA 19141). Burial will be held privately by the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Benevolent Fund at Frederick Living (https://frederickliving.org/) in Elinor’s name.

Add My Condolences

Remembering Elinor as the first born cousin in the John and Grace Emmert family. The family can be proud of her.

~ Sandra Emmert Riegsecker
10/7/2022 10:05:30 AM

I was a recipient of Ellie and Fred’s generosity and kindness when they invited me to stay in their home while I was working on my doctorate at Palmer Seminary. It was an unexpected opportunity to renew a relationship with them.

~ John Emmert
10/7/2022 9:30:01 AM

Saddened to hear of Elinor's passing. It sounds that Elinor lived a very full life.

Bill & Marilyn Emmert

~ Bill Emmert Albion, IN
10/7/2022 5:58:14 AM

Ellie has been consistently wise, understanding, compassionate and prayerful over many years--a combination not often found.

~ Roger Dorris Silver Spring, MD
10/4/2022 12:45:11 PM

Steve,
My deepest sympathy. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

~ Roseann Amendola
10/4/2022 12:00:43 PM

Ellie was a dear friend who lived her Faith. She was a wonderful role model for all who knew her.

~ Carol Dickinson
10/1/2022 8:34:38 PM

Ellie was very special. Loved visiting with her at Esch Reunions

~ Miller Carol
10/1/2022 5:36:43 PM

Mrs. Surgener was the sweetest woman with a loving and gentle spirit. She always had a smile and a kind word when we saw her at Frederick. She will be missed.

~ Bill and Mary Lee Boswell
10/1/2022 4:08:54 PM