Mrs. Eleanor L. Cali passed away at home, in Oswego NY, on June 6, 2012 surrounded by her family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and cancer.
Ellie was born August 24, 1939 in Baldwinsville, N.Y. the eldest daughter of Robert & Cynthia (Miller) House. She was educated at 8 Notes school (a one room school house) and Phoenix (NY) High School which she graduated from in 1957 as valedictorian. In 1961 she completed studies at the State University of New York at Oswego, earning a Bachelors degree in Secondary Education with a major in Biology. Following graduation she taught biology at Gates Chili (NY) High School prior to moving to Oswego.
Upon arriving in Oswego, she started work as a secretary at Oswego Catholic High School prior to her employment at the Oswego Hospital Laboratory; a position she retired from after 25 years of service rising to the position of County Laboratory Supervisor.
Since 1972, in between these “other” work pursuits, Ellie was co-owner of Cali’s Carriage House Florist, steadily growing the family business until her illness prevented further work.
On June 30, 1962 she married Michael A. Cali and until late, had helped plan their 50th wedding anniversary celebration. An event she was looking forward to but unfortunately was unable to celebrate.
Ellie was predeceased by her parents and younger sister, Dorrit House.
She is survived by her husband Michael A. Cali; her sons Shawn (Gail) M. Cali of Fairfax VA, Michael S. Cali of Oswego, and daughter Anne C Cali of Oswego; twelve grandchildren: Brittany, Emily, Rachel & Anthony Cali of Fairfax; VA; Kate Greene of Waterbury CT; Michael, Amanda, Hannah & Aiden Cali of Oswego; Bobby, Madeline & Nicholas Cali of Oswego; a Brother, Leon House, of Fulton; and one Aunt, Cora Williamson, of Fulton, NY.
In addition to her work career and role as a spouse, mother and grandmother, Ellie was active in the Oswego community. She was a communicant of Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. She was a founding member of the Columbiettes , and during her years in the Oswego County Laboratory, she was a member of the Society of Clinical Pathologists.
Her love of reading and history led her to new pursuits after retirement. She served for many years as a member of the Oswego County Genealogy Society, to include terms as president and treasurer. Ellie was a member of the Underground Railroad Commission working in many capacities, including conducting research and publishing historical texts. She also served as a volunteer at the H. Lee White Marine Museum.
The Oswego Public Library Board of Trustees recently awarded emerita status to Mrs. Cali for her many years of service and dedication to the Library in which she served in a variety of capacities to include president. She served on the board from 2000-2009. Mrs. Cali was instrumental in leading the organization during the Building Renovation and Expansion Project which led to the beautiful library that serves Oswego County today.
Calling hours will be held at the Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home, 112 East 2nd St Oswego, NY
at7:00 to 9:00 PM on Saturday June 9 and 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 PM on Sunday June 10.
Funeral services will be held on Monday June 11, 2012 at10:30 AM at Saint Stephen the King Catholic Church, 138 Niagara St, Oswego, NY.
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