Obituary of Ellen Patricia Nordquist

Ellen Patricia Nordquist (Wilson) Passed away at her home on October 21, 2016. Preceding her in death were her parents, Richard and Pauline Wilson, her two brothers, Richard Wilson and Paul Wilson. Survivors include her children, Richard, Douglas (Karen Francati), Karen (Will) Nersinger, Victoria and Paul; her granddaughter Christina and grandsons, Michael (Annemarie), Daniel, Steven, Jeffrey and Andrew; her great grandson, Leo (whose first birthday party she attended last month). In addition, she leaves behind a number of good friends, including daughters-in-law Sally and Marlene, and her neighbor, Mary Cappadonia. Born in Queens, New York, Ellen was the youngest of three children, a devoted fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers, and keeper of what she once described as "an impressively large" autograph collection. After graduating from high school, she enrolled in the prestigious Katherine Gibbs School in New York, which led to her first job as a secretary and office manager. In 1949 she married Richard W. Nordquist, moving first to Long Island, then Stamford, Connecticut, and finally, in 1960, to Rochester. As a young mother, Ellen once climbed over a stockade fence to retrieve a neighbor child's baton, and throughout her long life she bravely overcame numerous other obstacles. Her religious faith was quietly profound, and for many years she was an active member of the Holy Rosary Society and served on the parish council at St. James Church. A devoted parent, she served as den mother when her boys were in Cub Scouts, and volunteered tirelessly at the Rochester School for the Deaf, where her younger daughter was a student. In later years Ellen returned to work full-time, and in 1997 she retired from the Rochester chapter of the Red Cross after 15 years. An astute observer of national politics, she watched CNN with a critical eye and was looking forward to voting in next month's election. Family and friends are invited to call on MONDAY, October 24th from 4-7 PM at Miller Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., 3325 Winton Road South. Ellen's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on TUESDAY, October 25th at 10AM at Peace of Christ Parish at St. James Church, 130 Brett Road, Rochester. Interment, Mumford Rural Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Peace of Christ Parish, 25 Empire Blvd., Rochester, NY 14609 or the American Red Cross 50 Prince Street, Rochester, NY 14607 in her memory.