Eleanor Pekala Obituary

Eleanor Frances Pekala, known to many as Ellie, passed away on February 25, 2024, in Fairfax, VA, at the age of 81. She was born on May 26, 1942, in Webster, MA, to Francis and Frances Pekala. Ellie is survived by her son, Aaron Pekala, and her daughter-in-law, Katie Ballou. She is preceded in death by her father, Francis Pekala, her mother, Frances Pekala, and her brother, Robert Pekala.

Ellie was caring, thoughtful, fierce, loving, and altruistic. She dedicated her life to serving others, starting with her time as a missionary in her early twenties. Ellie then proudly served as a Marine Officer from 1967 to 1990, achieving the rank of Lt. Col. She retired from the Pentagon after her military service. Ellie also had a successful career as an appraiser from 1992 until her passing.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Ellie found joy in volunteering with the Boy Scouts, fostering over a dozen children, and caring for her beloved pets. Her commitment to service extended beyond her career and into her personal life.

A ceremony to honor Ellie's life will be held on March 16th, 2024, at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 12807 Valleywood Dr, Lake Ridge, VA 22192. The Funeral Mass will commence at 11 am, followed by a reception. Ellie's dedication to her community, country, and loved ones will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the following organizations that represent a big part of her life.

SPCA of NOVA: https://spcanova.org/help-us/donate/

INOVA: https://foundation.inova.org/ways-to-give/

Northern Virginia Family Service: https://www.nvfs.org/donate-online/

Vets' Retreat Virginia: https://vetsretreatvirginia.org/donation/

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by InsideNoVa on Mar. 9, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Eleanor Pekala

5 Entries

Dorothy M Guillette

April 6, 2024

With deepest sympathy to Ellie's family and fond memories of a happy and mischievous Webster. Ma classmate. Dorothy Magnant and Ben Guillette.

Major Ed Dauksz, USMC Retired

April 3, 2024

Ellie and I go back to Webster Mass when her brother and I were in HS and she was a young lady about 10, This continued for 70 years. Her brother Bob went into the Corps. I followed, then Ellie .1974/75 She was an OCS Marine Candidate at QuanticoI. I was an Instructor at the Marine CSC which was 2 Bldgs over. I would go over and pay her a visit once a week to spur her on. "Yes Sir and No Sir" were the only words out of her mouth, standing rigidly at attention. "Ease up ,Ellie!" Not allowed to Sir" with a Dramatic emphasis on the SIR. I pinned her Gold Bars on that year and we remained close friends forever, always celebrating the Nov. 1o0Birthday of our Corps. She will be missed.

Sigrid M

March 15, 2024

I first met Ellie when I was a new social worker and she a new foster mother more than 20 years ago. We became good friends over the years and I so enjoyed Ellie`s sense of humor. She gave me these really quirky slippers which I treasure. I let her know about a year ago that I was moving to San Diego and was going to drive my car across the country. She wanted to make the drive with me!!!! She would tell stories about how much she loved San Diego when she had lived here years ago. She was always ready for another adventure. Tomorrow, when she is put to rest, I will go to the Pacific Ocean and say my good-byes and honor her memory, knowing that her spirit is omnipresent. I will keep her in my heart always. She will urge me on to be true to myself the same way she was true to herself. I am grateful that I have had the privilege of being Ellie´s friend.

Peggy Gore

March 9, 2024

Ms Ellie was my mother´s neighbor. My mother passed away in 2018 after suffering a heart attack. Since I am a resident of North Carolina it was comforting to me knowing Ms. Ellie was nearby should anything happened to my Mom. When I couldn´t reach my Mother I would call Ms Ellie to do a welfare check. She always available to calm my nerves. She would sometimes take my Mom to her appointments when I couldn´t be there. She was my earthly angel. She will be missed.

Laura Ballou

March 5, 2024

I first met Ellie when she came over to our house for dinner. Her son Aaron brought her over to meet us shortly after he and Katie started dating. She was lovely, and I enjoyed our conversations over lunches this past year. I am eternally grateful to her for raising such a wonderful young man who became my son-in-law! Ellie, you are ever present with us.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results