Eleanor "Ellie" Zeh

Rotterdam - Eleanor B. Zeh, 93, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 18, 2021. Eleanor was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on October 19, 1927, to the late Roy and Myrtle Abbey. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her siblings, Roy Abbey Jr., William Abbey, Barbara Soccio and Clark Baker. Eleanor was a lifelong resident of the Rotterdam area and graduated from the former Nott Terrace High School. She owned and operated Ferris Tavern for many years. She also worked as a waitress in several local restaurants, she proudly worked at The Red Coach and The Van Dyck. She loved her profession, meeting new people and brightening their day. She always had a smile on her face, which lead to nickname “Smiley”. Eleanor then retired from the City Mission at the age of 85. In her free time, Eleanor enjoyed attending and teaching craft classes (Home Bureau), craft fairs, playing the slots at her favorite casinos and being out on the town. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and the Rotterdam Family Bible Study. She loved outdoor gatherings with family and friends and the joy her four-legged companions brought her. Eleanor loved and appreciated the company of her friends from Holly Manor. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Beverly Noxon and her family for all they did for Ellie and treating her as their own. She is survived by her brother Robert (Ann) Abbey, her four children; Deborah Vandenburg, Richard (Darlene) Zeh, Ron (Gail) Zeh and Sharon (Robert) Palmer, nine grandchildren; Jason, Patrick, Jessica, Megan, Nikki, Zach, Kyle, Alexis, Billy and several great grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held on Friday February 26, 2021 from 12 noon to 2 pm at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave. Funeral services will begin at the funeral home at 2 pm. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery in Colonie. Memorial donations in Eleanor’s name can be made to: The City Mission of Schenectady, 425 Hamilton St., Schenectady, 12305 or the Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave, Schenectady, 12302.