 PETTERSON, ELEANOR (ELLIE) B. Born on February 17, 1923 in Wickhaven, PA and passed away peacefully February 6, 2013 in Albuquerque, NM after twelve years of stroke related dementia. Ellie was the fourth of eight children of Stephen Blasko, an immigrant from Slovakia, and Barbara (Kapinus) Blasko, and grew up in Charleroi, PA. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Dorothy, Steve, Fred, Max and Julia. She is survived by her beloved and loving husband of 57 years, Ben; her sister Barbara Eagle and brother Larry Blasko; her daughters Barbara Petterson (David Lee), Hillary Malu, Lisa Graff (Jimmy Davis); grandchildren Drake Malu and Sasha Petterson; niece Stephanie Eagle; and nephew Richard Eagle; and many other nieces and nephews. Ellie lived in St. Louis, MO and Washington, D.C. before coming to Santa Fe with her sister Barbara in 1952. She and Ben settled in Albuquerque in 1956. She worked as a secretary, legal secretary and stay-at-home mom. Ellie was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and fostered creativity in her family. She was also a devoted friend, and few things brought her as much joy as being with loved ones. She was an excellent, avid bridge player, knitter, seamstress, cook, and nurturer of plants. Ellie loved music, politics, reading, and dancing and had a beautiful singing voice. She also loved camping, traveling and Elder Hosteling, and made many wonderful trips with family. Ellie loved a good martini or glass of wine, could be the life of the party, and lit up the world with her smile. Special thanks to our friend Margaret Ratcliffe for her tender and loving care of Ellie over the last several years, and to the caring staff at Brookdale Place, St. Theresa Rehab and Anna Kaseman Hospice. Donations may be made to the Presbyterian Healthcare Foundation (Hospice) or to the Albuquerque Stroke Club, Attn: Bobbi Cuddihy, PO Box 3653, Albuquerque, NM 87109-3653. A memorial service will be held Sunday, March 17th at 10:00am at the Tanoan Country Club, 10801 Academy Rd. N.E., Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87111. (From Eubank and Academy, go east - it's the first left.)
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