Eleanor “Ellie” Emmerthal, 101, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, kindness, and devotion to family and friends.

Born in Waterbury to the late Ethel and John Snyder, Ellie joined the United States Cadet Nurse Corps at Waterbury Hospital in 1944 and became a registered nurse, dedicating many years to caring for others before retiring in the 1980s. She married Irving “Dick” Emmerthal in 1950, and together they raised their three sons in Bridgeport, Redding, and Trumbull. Dick predeceased her in 1983. Ellie later lived in Newtown and then spent her final years in Griswold.

Ellie was the loving mother of Alan Emmerthal, who predeceased her; Doug Emmerthal and his wife, Carol, of Griswold; and Rob Emmerthal of Newtown. She was the proud grandmother of Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Stephen (Rachel) Emmerthal of Edmond, Oklahoma; Craig Emmerthal of Griswold; Kyle Emmerthal, who predeceased her; Molly Emmerthal (Pat Kinney) of Bethlehem; and Jacob Emmerthal of Newtown. Her four great-grandchildren, Peyton, Riley, Ryann, and Robert, lovingly called her “GG.” Ellie especially treasured being pen pals with Peyton, sharing thoughts and little “secrets,” and receiving the paintings and pictures created by her other great-grandchildren.

Ellie loved traveling, singing, and performing with church choirs and community groups, including the Pitch Pipers. A talented baker, she was famous for her cookies and Swedish Coffee Bread, which she taught her grandson Jake to make. She also volunteered through her church, knitted hats for premature babies in hospital neonatal intensive care units, and enjoyed the companionship of her beloved “Friday Girls,” a close-knit group of friends who shared weekly lunches, crafts, sewing, and quilting for charitable causes.

In her later years, Ellie treasured her home caregivers, Kate, Trish, Kelly, Bernadette, and Paula, whose kindness and humor brought her great joy. During her final five months at Colonial Health and Rehab, she formed loving bonds with the staff, affectionately calling them “her girls.” Her family is deeply grateful to everyone there for the exceptional care and affection they gave her.

Ellie lived a remarkable 101 years, touching countless lives with her warmth, humor, generosity, and love. Her family will forever cherish the traditions she passed down, the songs she sang, the treats she baked, and the memories they shared. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Eastern Connecticut Hematology and Oncology (ECHO) Foundation, Inc, 330 Washington Street — Suite 220, Norwich CT 06360; St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105; and/or Kyle Douglas Emmerthal Memorial Scholarship Fund, Three Rivers Community College Foundation, 574 New London Turnpike, Norwich CT 06360.

A memorial service will be held November 7, 2026, at 10 am, at Christ Episcopal Church, Tashua, 5170 Madison Avenue, Trumbull, CT 06611. Food, fellowship and sharing will follow at the church.