Ellen A. "Ellie" (Acee) Romanus

Mrs. Ellen A. “Ellie” (Acee) Romanus, age 82, of New Hartford, passed away on Monday, December 29, 2008 at the Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare Center with her loving family by her side. Born in Clark Mills, NY on March 18, 1926, Ellen was the daughter of the late Happy and Nijma (Boulos) Acee. Raised in Clinton, she attended Clinton High School. On April 14, 1945 in the Church of the Annunciation, she was joined in the sacrament of marriage to Raymond J. Romanus, Sr. with whom she shared 56 years prior to his passing on April 22, 2001. As a couple, they shared joyous memories of the countless happy and fulfilling times with one another and their children. An entrepreneur by nature, Ellie, along with her husband, Ray, opened the Knotty Pine Restaurant which was located on Commercial Drive for many years. She took leave of the business to devote her time to raising her family, and concurrently pursued her baking talents, specializing in wedding cakes and cookie trays. After attending to her family’s needs, in 1968 she established Ellen’s Chili Hut, also located on Commercial Drive, which was renowned as a local gathering place for many years. Upon her husband’s passing, she again ventured into her proprietary vocation when she opened Ellie’s Delectables which she operated for several years until her health caused her to retire. During Operation Desert Storm in the early 1990’s, Ellie worked countless hours baking and packaging thousands of cookies which were sent to our soldiers in Iraq. She was known locally as the “cookie lady” and she was heralded for her generosity. Strong, energetic, and organized, Ellie set the standard for women in a day when many did not venture into the business world. Blessed with a loving and compassionate nature, she had a warm heart for people and enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was well versed in politics and on the local level she even campaigned for Judge Murad. Ellie was straightforward and shared her views on issues of which she had strong beliefs. But above all else, she was a most dedicated wife, mother, sister, and cherished grandmother and great-grandmother. When entertaining at home, she prepared a grand table graced with a spectacular presentation in her sparkling style. Her favorite pastimes included cooking, canning, knitting, crocheting, and playing a good game of cards. She was a communicant of the Catholic Community of Whitesboro at St. Paul’s Church and often volunteered at the parish festivals in the ‘fried-dough booth’ where she also offered her delicious cookies. Ellen is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Joan and Edward Freeman of Barneveld; her sons and daughters-in-law, Raymond J., Jr. and Wendy Romanus of Clinton, Richard A. and Nancy Romanus of VA, and Robert A. Romanus of MN; her grandchildren, Jennifer and Ron Kilway; Renee and Jeff Lloyd, Kellie Romanus, Raymond III and Kimberly Romanus, Ryan, Kristi, Steven, Richard, Jr. and Tricia Romanus, Jessica Romanus, and Stephanie Romanus; and her 8 great-grandchildren. Survivors also include her sisters and brother-in-law, Bedelia Lewis, and Catherine Lewis, both of Clark Mills, and Theresa and Narvin Efferson of SC; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Happy and Judy Acee of Clark Mills, Fred and Linda Acee of CO, and Gabriel and Barbara Acee of OR; her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins, with special mention of Rev. Abe Esper whose relationship she cherished, and in-laws. She also leaves her friends, Dr. Francis Chanatry, Dr. Joanne Joseph, Mary Steet, and many others too numerous to mention. She was predeceased by her brothers and sisters-in-law, Edward and Catherine Acee, Anthony Acee, Ted and Mary Acee, Albert and Ann Acee, and Thomas and Evelyn Acee; her sisters and brothers-in-law, Leona and Edward Meelan, and Marion and John Gungui; and her step-mother, Julia Acee. The family offers special thanks to the nurses and staff of the 4th floor at the Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare Center, especially Patricia Flihan; the 2nd floor nurses and staff at the Charles T. Sitrin Rehabilitation Center; and Dr. Cenk Pekis, Dr. Kevin McCormick, and family friends, Dr. Joanne Joseph, and Rev. Abe Esper, for their friendship and professional care. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-5:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc. 932 South St. corner of Hammond Ave. By family request please omit floral offerings. For those wishing to do so, please consider memorial contributions in Ellen’s honor to the Abraham House; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Ellie’s funeral service will commence on Monday morning at 10:30 from the funeral home and at 11:30 at The Catholic Community of Whitesboro at St. Paul’s Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will take place in the Resurrection Chapel Mausoleum at the convenience of the family.

Ellen A. "Ellie" (Acee) Romanus

March 18, 1926 - December 29, 2008