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.