Eleonora E. Erling

Eleonora (Selnau) Erling, 98, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at Bristol Hospital. Ele was born in Bristol, CT on January 13, 1923 to the late Gustav and Wilhelmina (Boehlke) Selnau. She was the beloved wife of the late Herman Erling having been married for nearly 63 years. Ele was a lifelong resident of Bristol and attended schools there. She was employed by David Soda Dispensing Company and Seiler Corporation. Ele was a communicant of Immanuel Lutheran Church and in earlier years served the church as a Ladies Guild member.
She loved to cook, try new recipes and collect cookbooks. Ele, an avid reader, was fluent in German language, enjoyed birdwatching especially cardinals, and loved blue hydrangeas a cherished reminder of her mother’s garden. She liked watching “Jeopardy”, “Hallmark” movies, and playing Setback card games. Ele was gifted at tatting, the art of decorative needlework, and would create delicate, lacey keepsakes. She would be delighted when her great-grandson, Logan, would help his G.G. by bringing her The Bristol Press every day to read. Most of all, Ele was happiest when enjoying good conversations.
In addition to her husband, Ele was predeceased by her beloved daughter and firstborn child, Cheryl Erling. She leaves a son, Jan Erling and wife Alice of Greensburg, PA; and two daughters, Deborah Erling and husband George O’Hara of Newington; and Barbara Erling of Bristol. She also leaves four grandchildren, Todd Erling and wife Cindy of Germantown, NY; Allison Erling and husband Mark Erdman of Baltimore, MD; Josh Erling and wife Shelley of Acton, MA; and Sarah Williams of Bristol; and five great-grandchildren, Sophia Erling; Gavin Erdman; Scarlett and Lucy Erling; and Logan Williams.
The loving and compassionate commitment of Barbara and Sarah to the care of our mother fulfilled her wish to remain at home. The family wants to thank the Bristol Hospital Hospice team and all medical staff for their excellent care and support. The family also expresses our appreciation for the kind companionship and tender care of her caregiver aides.
Funeral services will be celebrated this Saturday September 4th at 10am at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 154 Meadow St., Bristol, with the Rev. Kevin Karner, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow in Peacedale Cemetery, Bristol. Relatives and friends may call at the church prior to the funeral on Saturday between 9:30 and 10am. Funk Funeral Home, Bristol, CT has the honor of serving Eleonora’s family. To see a full online obituary please visit Eleonora’s memorial web-site at www.FunkFuneralHome.com
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ele’s name would be welcomed and appreciated to Immanuel Lutheran School, 154 Meadow Street, Bristol, CT or to support a local library of your choice.

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