Eleanor Rapacz

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Eleanor (Elly) Adams Rapacz on October 24, 2025. Elly was born in Syracuse, New York on April 20, 1928, the daughter of Cedric and Clara Adams. She was educated in Clinton schools and a graduate of SUNY Oneonta. She went on to have a long career as a favorite science teacher in New Hartford, NY, culminating in receiving a citation for biology research work done while on sabbatical in Miami, Florida. Prior to her retirement, Elly was a proud teacher of AP Biology, a subject she loved. While in New Hartford, she met her future husband, Raymond Rapacz, from St. Johnsville, NY and they married on April 5, 1953. A marriage that lasted until he passed in 2007. Elly is survived by her older brother John S. Adams (Katherine) of Fonda, NY. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Ray, her parents, two sisters, Helen and Mary Louise Adams, brother Robert (Charlotte) Adams and her twin brother George (Barbara) Adams. She is survived by many nieces and nephews, along with their children and grandchildren. She leaves many wonderful and warm memories with them. Elly had many loves; first and foremost her loving husband Ray along with their boxer Penny. Both she and Ray enjoyed retirement in Ocala, Florida and spent many summers in Caroga Lake, NY. Bridge playing was a regular event for them both, and family, friends and her church were a special priority for Elly. Once arriving in Ocala, she discovered the game of golf and developed a passion for it, founding the ladies golf association at On Top Of The World, where she and Ray resided. At 97, Elly lived a very active, engaged and long life and will be remembered as a spectacular, loving and very generous friend and neighbor whose memory will always bring smiles to all who knew and loved her. A celebration of life will be held at her home, 8450 B SW 90th Place, Ocala, Fl on Saturday, November 15th, from 1-4 pm. A family service will be held November 17th at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Fl, where she will be reunited with her husband, Raymond Rapacz. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to E.W. & Lucille Cates Hospice House, 9505 SW 110th Street, Ocala, Florida 34481, who lovingly cared for Elly in her final days