1936 – 2016
Venice, FL – Elodie Theresa (Coutu) Semmelrock, ‘Ellie,’ passed peacefully on January 31, 2016 after a long and difficult battle with dementia. She was born in Willimantic, CT the daughter of the late Marianne (Allore) Coutu and Alphonse Coutu. Elodie grew up in Norwich before moving to Pomfret with her mother in the early 1950s. ‘Ellie’, and her husband, Alton, made Pomfret their home for the next 40 years.
Elodie was a giver, to any and all. An RN, she practiced at ‘The Haven’ convalescent home in Pomfret, as a charge nurse at Day Kimball Hospital, at Matulaitis Nursing Home, and as a school nurse at Pomfret School. She completed her nursing career caring for homebound elderly patients.
The thing that mattered most to Elodie was family, and she supported hers in anything they did. She was a Girl Scout leader, and an active supporter of Pomfret Little League, Boy Scout Troop 26 and the Pomfret Livestockers 4-H Club, in addition to the many sports teams, drama clubs and school bands in which her children participated. She loved any place where family would gather, especially under her apple tree and at Alexander’s Lake. ‘Ellie’ is fondly remembered for her bread & butter pickles; her strong belief in the presence and the power of angels; her ‘open door’ policy to welcome anyone, for anything, at any time, for as long as needed; her poetry and storytelling; her needlework; and her clairvoyant sixth sense. She found great joy in passing on the important things – her recipes for Corn Chowder and Cream Chipped Beef, the art of berry-picking to find the perfect ones for her jellies and jams, and the value of time – card time, family time, and especially dinner time. Elodie’s lasting legacy is and will forever be ‘Christmas Magic’, a poem that she first authored in 1970. It was her labor of love to recraft it every year and share the story of Christmas and Christmas customs with family and friends. Elodie’s ‘Magic’ grew to the community and ever larger audiences. To date, it has been shared with more than 10,000 people throughout the country and beyond.
Elodie leaves her husband of 58 years, Alton, and five children, Mark (& Brenda) Semmelrock of Southington, CT, Earl (& Sarah) Semmelrock and Donna Grant of Pomfret, Luke Semmelrock of Whitensville, MA and Mary Ann (& Kyle) Dostaler of East Hampton, CT. Her extended family also includes several ‘adopted’ children who moved into her home and into her heart over the years. ‘Gramma Elodie’ leaves 12 grandchildren: Matthew (& Kathryn) Semmelrock; Cody, Sothea and Seth Semmelrock; Shelby (& Ryan) Collwell, Branden and Gabriel Grant; Corey Montgomery and Tanner and Austin Semmelrock; Jason and Danielle Fortin; and two great granddaughters, Alexa and Taelyn Colwell. Elodie was predeceased by her brother Paul Coutu. She leaves her sister, Louise (Coutu) Syah and sister-in-law Bibiane Hafner, and many special nieces and nephews.
As Ellie passes from this world to the next, her words echo the peace and love that was forever in her heart: ‘Well my friends, my rhyme is through; I hope your list of customs grew! Just remember that Christmas is hope and love; and love is the MAGIC that is sent from above.’’ Rest in Peace to our beloved Christmas Magician.
Calling hours will take place in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, February 19, 2016. A service of Christian burial will be at Westfield Congregational Church, Danielson, CT at 11:00 am Saturday, February 20, 2016 followed by a graveside service in Pomfret (weather permitting). A Celebration of Life will follow at the Audubon Center in Pomfret. In lieu of flowers, and in keeping with Elodie’s wishes to contribute to her Pomfret community and support the endeavors of her children, donations may be made to the CT Audubon Center at Pomfret, PO Box 11, Pomfret Center, CT 06259; TEEG, PO Box 664, North Grosvenordale, CT 06255; or BSA Troop 26, c/o Susan Horn, Treasurer, 321 Wrights Crossing Road, Pomfret Center, CT 06259.
Sue Sanborn
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. My family and I will cherish the gifts Elodie and her family gave to us. I always reflect back to “Christmas Magic” and am in awe of the gift she shared with so many. We have been blessed to have your family in our lives. I know words can not describe your loss, mom would want you all to carry on her gift to everybody in your lives. That will keep her memory alive for eternity. In prayer-Sue Sanborn
Ralph Williams
Elodie was a very special, magical person with a quiet strength and beautiful heart…We lived next door at the Old Pomfret Inn where we were privileged to host her Christmas Magic pageants for several years…She was like a second mother to David and Jon, and like a sister to me.. Her beautiful legacy lives on through her family and so many others whose lives she touched…God bless you, Elodie…rest in peace kind lady…
Anita Williams
Sending my heartfelt condolences to the friends and family Ellie left behind. May her spirit be always in our lives. I was at a few Christmas Magics of which I enjoyed immensely!! Every year, I think of her and the family… I remember warmly being a young bride and later a young Mother and how she loved holding Baby Jon Jr. We have a picture of her holding him and talking to her Grandson as well. Rest peacefully Ellie and may your magic shine from the heavens!!
Leo and Winnie Denis
I never knew Elodie, but I know Donna Grant, her angel daughter and I know all the words in her obituary must be true. Love the line‘Well my friends, my rhyme is through; I hope your list of customs grew!” As Donna lives her beautiful selfless life, and fun-filled live achieving more than time allows, I know Elodie’s actions and talents have become customs that live on, and that Elodie lives. To all her family and friends, please accept comforting thoughts and memories at this trying time.
With love,
Leo and Winnie
Bob Plunkett
Luke,
Sorry for your loss! She sounds like she was quite the women and you certainly have many fond memories!
Janet and Bob Plunkett
Patricia Gauthier
Mary Ann and Kyle,
Our sincere sympathy goes out to you in the loss of Mary Ann’s Mom. It is wonderful to remember that Elodie certainly made quite a positive impact on so many.
Sincerely,
Roy and Pat
Martin Grenier
So sorry for your loss Donna ,Hope you and your family get through this hard time . Miss You my friend
Kimberly (Klemola) Mele
Sincerest sympathies to all of the family! Many fond memories of “Mom” Semmelrock, especially working with my Mom and the Girl Scouts! This world has lost another angel! God be with all of you.
Patricia McConnell
Ellie and a I have been MOF (my oldest friend) and YOF (your oldest friend) since we were 15 years old. Between us we had 11 children who grew up together with such good times. Ellie was one of the most loving, caring and generous people I ever knew and I will love her forever. Her children call me Aunt Pat and I am honored by that. My condolences to you all. Distance makes it impossible to be there with you but I will be with you in my heart.
Love from Aunt Pat
Jolene Ruffo
Oh… Paul Coutu’s Aunt Ellie and Uncle Al of Pomfret Center were so kind to me the four years I was a student at Annhurst College (fall 1973 through May 1977). Aunt Ellie was a very special woman to me, so kind to me and even my roommate. May her dear family remember wonderful memories prior to her illness. Rest in the arms of our Lord.
Paul M. Coutu
My AUNT ELODIE ,was so special to me, she was not only my god mother but she was one of the most influential persons in my life, predicting at an early age how my life would turn out ,(That sixth sense ) which a lot of us have in the family . It is so peaceful watching the snow falling out the window this morning ,I wish that peace to all the family and friends of this wonderful lady a women of magic ,and that special magic will live in my heart the rest of my life and beyond. Rest in peace my aunt, my god mother my love
Ginny/Marshall Eaton
Our God almighty has requested to heaven one of his heavenly blessed humans/angel, Ellie Semmelrock. I was truly honored to be included in the Semmelrock family. Ellie brought me chicken soup one day when I was very ill and then offered me a bed at her home so that I could “get my feet back on the ground” after my divorce. I will never forget that day. I will never forget her kindness. Ellie did a lot to help me with my life and loved me every day. We will one day be with you and we will celebrate once again. All my love to “my family”. Our memories of Ellie “Mom” will be with us for eternity. Ellie, you will truly be missed.
Jody Syah
Aunt Elodie, my godmother, I hope you find peace and joy beyond your earthly presence and that you again see clearly how much joy and love you brought to all of the people you touched throughout your life. To all of the Semmelrocks, my deepest condolences.
Love, Jody
Karen Bradley
About 15 years ago, I tracked down “Little Elodie” as part of my research into our Gagnon ancestors. Although she had not seen me, or my mom – Francoise Gagnon Bradley – in about 40 years, she was quite generous with sharing her family memories. I recently came across my notes from our correspondence, and I am grateful that she was such a sweet, kind and caring lady! My thoughts and prayers go out to you, my distant cousins, at this time.
Julie Paquin Bruning
Growing up, Ellie and her family were a very common staple in my younger life – so much that I remember thinking that we really WERE related and as I grew up, found that we weren’t. That was the natural way that Ellie made you feel – welcomed and loved. I was also too young at that time to ever understand the extent of her kindness to my entire family, especially my Mom (Ginny Eaton), and I will forever be grateful for her generosity. She will be greatly missed and forever remembered in my heart. God bless the entire Semmelrock family.
Mary Lou Thomas
Bob and I are in South Carolina and we were sorry to hear about your Mom. She was a great lady you was always there if someone needed help. I’m sure she is most pleased about here children who have carried on her teachings. You are all there to help others with no questions asked. Our thoughts are with all of you. Mary Lou & Bob
Tony & Shirley Mongillo
We never met Elodie, but we have met her children and grandchildren. They are a tribute to her, living examples of how she lived and loved, and part of her legacy to our world. Our deepest sympathy to all the Semmelrocks.