Obituary of Eleanor V. Kolpa

Eleanor V. Kolpa (“Ellie”), 95, formerly of Watertown, Connecticut, passed away on October 14, 2016 at Middlesex Health Care Center (MHCC), Middletown, CT, where, during her stay, she made many friends among staff and residents, always looking for “work assignments” and/or as she maneuvered her wheelchair through the hallways for many hours every day. Ellie was an administrative secretary for many years in a number of companies, including Benrus, Infodex and UTC Companies. She was an accomplished artist; published writer; voracious reader; lover of theater and movies. Her crowning achievement was to earn her Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy from Central Connecticut State University, at age 82, having started her studies at age 62. She was born in Enfield, New Hampshire to Fred Russell and Ada May (Douglas) Gardner in 1921, and was married to Edward R. Kolpa for 44 years until his death in 1994. She is survived by her four children: Sharon E. Smith of East Hampton. CT; Joanne B. Zatarain and her husband Stanley of Portland, CT; Stanley M. Kolpa and his wife Deborah of Vernon, VT; Marjorie J. Acker and her husband Brian in FL. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Emily, Heather and Bryan Kolpa; Derek and Samantha Zatarain; and four great-grandchildren: Julia, Nina, Maren and Alexandra. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Robert. The family would like to thank the staff of MHCC for the care, companionship and comfort they gave to Ellie while she lived there. The final arrangements will be private. For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com.