Eleanor J. Rastley Simmons

Eleanor “Ellie” J. Rastley Simmons, 78, of East Syracuse, passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at Upstate University Hospital at Community General. Born in Gouverneur on Thursday, June 15, 1933, she was a graduate of Gouverneur High School and lived in the Syracuse area for over 50 years. Ellie was employed for over 20 years with New Venture Gear, retiring in 2006 and previously worked several years at GE. A member of the Red Hat Society, she was also an active member of UAW for over 20 years. She loved being with her grandchildren, was a big Elvis fan and also enjoyed SU basketball and bowling. Ellie was predeceased by her parents, Leo and Edna Taylor Rastley; and brothers, John and Don Rastley. Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl and Tom Ellithorpe of Skaneateles; sisters, Viola Van Ornum of Gouverneur and Jean Howard of Utica; brothers, Leo Rastley of Rossie, George Rastley of Alex Bay, and Dave Rastley of Gouverneur; grandchildren, Morgan and Geoff Ellithorpe of Skaneateles; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and former husband, Carl Simmons of Brownville. Local calling hours will be Saturday, March 31 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus. Additional calling hours will be Sunday, April 1 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Green Funeral Home, 33 Park St., Gouverneur. Funeral services will be Monday, April 2 at 11 a.m. at the Green Funeral Home, Gouverneur. Ellie will be laid to rest in East Riverside Cemetery, Gouverneur. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the United Cerebral Palsy of Syracuse, c/o Enable, 1603 Court St., Syracuse, NY 13208.