Eleanor “Elli” Lockwood
ALBION- Eleanor “Elli” Lockwood passed peacefully on June 11, 2023. Elli was born 12/3/1929 to Robert and Helen C. Miller in Albion, New York. Elli was predeceased by her husband, Burt E. Lockwood in 2006. She is survived by her children; Mark E. Lockwood and Valerie J. (Scott) Graff; her grandchildren, Vanessa J. (Sithidej) Soundara and Violet S. Wenner; and her great grandchildren, Kaylee A. Soundara, Brayden S. Edmister, and Kadence B. Edmister.
Elli grew up in Barre Center and Albion, New York. She was employed at Lipton Canning Factory until moving to Riverside and Azusa, California shortly after her marriage to Burt in 1952. They lived in California for 18 years, during which time she became a mother and a Certified Teacher at Covina Adult Education.
When Elli and Burt moved back closer to their roots in Medina, New York, Elli began working as a seamstress at S.A. Cook. After a few years, they moved to Venice, Florida where Elli was the Master Seamstress/Tailor at The Elegant Lady Bridal Shop. After several years in Florida, they returned to Albion, New York where Elli enjoyed a short career as a Department Manager at Dale’s Grocery before retiring from there.
Early in life, Elli began bowling. She advanced her skill to include many games over 200, and several games at 299; but, quoting Elli, “Never the 300 game! Always missing 300 by ONE PIN!” Elli taught bowling to locals, coached semi-pro’s, and bowled with Hollywood Stars. She earned, literally hundreds of trophies, patches, and pins; including glass engraved mugs from every Orleans County ABATE Bowling Tournament she entered. Her bowling hobby continued well into her 80’s, when she led the last team she was on, her own team, “Elli’s Girls”.
Elli was very active with the First United Methodist Church. She loves God, her faith, and church family. She never hesitated to volunteer a helping hand with dinners, prayer chains, etc. Elli took great pride in orchestrating annual rummage sales to raise money for the church, for many years.
Elli was an avid Buffalo Bill’s football fan. She kept track of game scores all year! She attended several games and met several players. Elli enjoyed the motorcycle rides Mark gave her; and walking alongside creeks and fields with Valerie. Elli loved her pet chihuahua’s, Peppi 1, 2, 3, and 4. Having her first dog in California and replacing each as they passed, with another. She loved decorating to the hilt for Christmas, baking, writing recipes, and gathering for family picnics. Elli gave of herself immensely to befriend and help anyone.
Prior to her passing, Elli chose against a standard burial and funeral. She donated her body to the University of Buffalo’s Anatomical Gift Program and upon completion she will join her husband Burt at the Skinnerville Cemetery on UB’s North Campus. As Elli wished, a private moment will be held by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Elli asked that memorials be made to Save-a-Pet Niagara County, Inc. at https://www.saveapetniagara.com
