Eleanor Ruth Kreassig quietly passed away at home on Friday, January 3, 2025, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Known as Ellie or Miss Ellie, she was born on September 9, 1939, to Lillian and Albert Fozzard in Fall River, Massachusetts. She was an only child and was predeceased by both of her parents.
Ellie met Lieutenant JG Richard Kreassig in 1963, and their whirlwind romance led to an engagement within six weeks. On December 1, 2024, Ellie, and Richard (Dick), celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary. Ellie is survived by her daughter, Kristen Carter (Kreassig), her husband Dave, and son, Scotty, as well and her son, Kurt Kreassig, his wife Danielle, and daughters Kinsey, and Kaiya, all of whom reside in Virginia Beach.
Ellie earned a BSN, RN from Truesdale Hospital School of Nursing in Fall River, MA. She was a life-long learner, had the heart of a servant-leader, and generously donated her time, talent, and treasures to a multitude of local non-profit and volunteer agencies. While living in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Ellie served as a Troops on Foreign Soil (TOFS) Girl Scout Leader, and back in the states, she volunteered as a Girl Scout camp nurse at the Linkhorn Girl Scouts’ Camp in Virginia Beach. Her love for all creatures great and small fueled her passion to volunteer as a 4-H Resource Leader, and as a docent at The Norfolk Zoo. Her abundant energy and generosity were demonstrated in her volunteer work as a docent at The Chrysler Museum, a Vacation Bible School Teacher, Chairperson of Old Donation Episcopal Church’s foodbank, and member of the Princess Anne High School’s Band Parent Association.
Ellie will also be remembered for her ability to host exceptional parties and for her love of gardening, poetry, and horses. She was a Master Gardener Emeritus, Old Donation Episcopal Church Flower Guild member and Herb Garden Gardener, member of the Thalia Garden Club, member and Chaplain of the Virginia Beach Council of Garden Clubs, and member of The City of Virginia Beach’s Beautification Commission. She could often be found writing poetry, journaling, or reading poems and stories aloud with her family and friends, especially during the holidays.
Ellie was an avid equestrian. She served as Field Master, Honorary Secretary, and member of Princess Anne Hunt Club and was also a member of the James River Hunt Club. She provided foxhunting seminars to pony clubs and 4-H clubs and loved teaching her grandchildren to ride and love horses. Let us not forget her by invitation only horsey-lady parties, tailgates, hunt club stirrup cups, elaborate Christmas parties, and family gatherings. She was the hostess extraordinaire.
Ellie touched countless lives in her own remarkable and special way. Always impeccably dressed, even for a foxhunt, she radiated elegance and charm. She was the essence of a warm summer day, the melody of music, the beauty of poetry, and the sparkle of bubbly champagne. Ellie brought joy wherever she went, leaving behind cherished memories that will endure forever. She was the love of Dick’s life and an extraordinary mother and grandmother, more wonderful than anyone could ever imagine.
Ellie’s Celebration of Life service will be held at Old Donation Episcopal Church, 4449 N. Witchduck Rd., Virginia Beach, VA, on Saturday, January 18th at 2 PM. Please join us afterward for a catered reception as we celebrate and toast a life lived to the fullest!
Condolences may be left for the family at www.vacremationsociety.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Virginia Beach SPCA or Old Donation Episcopal Church.