Mrs. Eleanor "Ellie" (Arcuri) Ficarra Ledger

OLD FORGE/CAZENOVIA - Mrs. Eleanor “Ellie” (Arcuri) Ficarra Ledger, age 82, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 12, 2020 with her loving daughter, Cheryl Ficarra, by her side. Born in Utica on August 3, 1937, Eleanor was the daughter of the late Lawrence “Bill” and Anne (Korniluk) Arcuri. She graduated with Honors from T.R. Proctor High School in Utica in the class of 1954. Not long after graduation she was wed to the late Angelo Ficarra, a union blessed with two children, Cheryl and Larry Ficarra. Ellie was employed by the New York Telephone Company in a supervisory role, working in Utica and Albany areas. With an entrepreneurial spirit, she and Angelo moved to Turin, NY and successfully operated The Ridgeview Steakhouse and Motel for many years. Following divorce from Angelo and as a single mom Ellie studied to become a realtor and earned her license. On October 23, 1980, after a loving and fun-filled ten-year relationship, Ellie married Terrance P. “Terry” Ledger. They embraced each other’s children and extended families, and Ellie shared her love, affection, and joy for life with her expanded family and many friends. As a couple Ellie and Terry were partners in life, love, and business. They lived an active and rich life until Terry passed away on September 21, 2009. Ellie and Terry were graced with a great love, and through that love they formed a fine combined family. They embarked on business ventures, socialized with friends, and together they traveled abroad, visited exotic islands, and toured destinations through the excitement and relaxation of cruises. Ellie was the preparer of family meals and holiday get-togethers. Her home was always perfectly decorated and when her favorite adornments were displayed, her elegant style was evident. Christmas was Ellie’s favorite holiday. She took the time to wrap gifts topped with perfect hand-tied bows, and to be part of this celebratory holiday, she took her loved ones on a magical journey. She conveyed to her children the lessons she learned in life that shaped the way she spoke, listened, and lived, and because she led by example, they were well-prepared to live independent lives. Her grandchildren were blessed to have a grandma who attended to their individual personalities and interests. Ellie lived a full, fruitful life. As Ellie and Terry explored new opportunities away from the Adirondacks for a time, Ellie displayed her eternally optimistic outlook working as a real estate broker in Denver, Colorado. She went on to establish her own agency in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Eventually Ellie and Terry returned to the Adirondacks where they established Ledger’s Lakefront Cottages on scenic Fourth Lake, near Old Forge. While continuing her real estate practice in Old Forge and managing Ledger’s Lakefront Cottages, it was inevitable that Ellie’s personal, warm, welcoming touches transformed her customers into family. Cottage renters returned regularly to enjoy Ellie’s hospitality and warmth. At the same time, Ellie’s clients at Rivet Realty found through her, Adirondack properties that perfectly met their personal preferences. A virtual legend in the local real estate industry, Ellie expertly engaged her clients and members of the Adirondack community with her dynamic, knowledgeable, and gracious ways of doing business. Ellie will always be remembered in the community. A mom who expressed unconditional love, Ellie engaged in every season of her kids’ lives, focusing on each of them and their families, even when she was physically distant. She was always able to connect on a personal level. Ellie was a strong force in all of her relationships, and she always found a way to stay in touch, especially with her sister Sharon. In short, Ellie was beautiful, inside and out. In each community she called home throughout the years, she involved herself in its civic and social organizations. She had a vision for style, and a great eye for detail that came easily to her. Ellie had an affinity for animals, especially her “doggies,” past and present, who were provided with an abundance of toys, plenty of affection, and a lifelong bond as best friends. Ellie is survived by her children and their spouses, Cheryl Ficarra and her husband Bill Banks, Larry and Heather Ficarra, Kathi and Kevin Delphia, Patrick and Jennifer Ledger, and Terry and Debbie Ledger; her grandchildren, Kimberly Walsh; Jack, and Peter Ficarra; Collin and April Delphia, and Cody Delphia; Forest, Beckett, and Van Ledger; and Amanda, and Ethan Ledger; great-grandchild, Lochlin; brother and sister-in-law, Leon and Janice Arcuri; and her sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Carl Mazza. She also leaves her nieces and nephews, Joe and Karri Mazza, Lauren and Richard Testa, and their families; and cousins. She remained close to longtime friendships, and the friends who entered her life shortly after she relocated to Cazenovia. Frank Broccoli brought her joy and a renewed spirit for which she was grateful. She was predeceased by her in-laws, Nan and John Eckmair. The family extends their deep appreciation to Ellie’s exceptional physician, Dr. Gizelda Casella and assistant Michelle, who oversaw her wellbeing after her spinal cord injury; her support team of aides, her private physical therapist, and her longtime hair stylist all who kept her inspired; and the Upstate University Hospital Community Campus ER Department and 3 West nurses who were highly skilled and compassionate in providing Ellie the dignity she deserved. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Ellie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Friday, July 24th at 10:00 at Historic Old St. John’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered. Memorial contributions may be considered to Vera House, Inc. online at https://www.verahouse.org/donate-to-vera-house or by mail to 723 James St., Syracuse, NY 13203. Those wishing to attend the Mass are kindly requested to arrive a few minutes early so you may register for contact tracing and be seated. Please use the parking lot entrance. Wearing a face mask is mandatory. Entombment will take place in Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at Holy Trinity Cemetery. The family will hold a gathering to celebrate Ellie’s life at a future date when relatives and friends can be together, closely. Please take a moment to connect with Ellie’s family through the “Memories” section of her obituary on our website. Our prayers continue to go out to all as a sign of our continued support.

Mrs. Eleanor "Ellie" (Arcuri) Ficarra Ledger

August 3, 1937 - July 12, 2020