Eleanor Modderman

Eleanor Modderman of Kalamazoo, MI passed away on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 at the age of 96. "Ellie" was born in Girard, Kansas on November 29, 1919, the third of 13 children to Frank and Mary (Suhodulcen) Ales. She attended school in Franklin, Kansas and served with pride in the Women's Army Corps (WAC) during World War II, a highlight of her life. While stationed in Portland, Oregon, she met her future husband, Fred Modderman. They married in January of 1946 and moved to Fred's hometown, Kalamazoo, Michigan. Ellie was employed by the Kalamazoo Public Schools for many years, working with special needs children at Parkwood-Upjohn Elementary School. It was her calling and she was recognized for her dedication and compassion. Ellie was an accomplished homemaker. She made donuts on Halloween and baked Yugoslavian yeast bread at Christmas time for her family. She was handy at sewing and learned to make prom dresses for her daughters. She loved to work in her yard and took pride in her expansive peony garden. Her home was decorated at every holiday for the enjoyment of her children and grandchildren. Ellie made many lifelong friends in her neighborhood, at work, and at her church, Bethany Reformed. She was generous and loyal and loved to be on the go. Her address book was filled and birthday and anniversary dates were duly noted as sending cards was one of her missions. Most of all, Ellie was devoted to her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred, in 1998 and siblings Mary, Edward, Frank, Anne, Mildred, Betty, Thomas, Charles, and William. She is survived by her beloved daughters, Mary Lou (Bob) Stokes, Linda (Jeffrey) Cox, and Bonnie Stewart, and her beloved grandchildren Stephen Stokes, Stephanie Stokes, Matthew (April) Missias, Kelise (Beth Anne Bradshaw) Stewart, and Jay Stewart. She was blessed with great-grandchildren Joshua, Olivia, Brendan, Dylan, Elenie, and Marguerite. Also surviving are her dear sisters, Frances O'Banion and Verna Hasselman, brother Jim (Darlene) Ales, and sisters-in-law Emma Lou Ales and Frances Ales. Ellie's family is grateful for the exceptional care she received at Park Village Pines/Oakview Terrace for the past four years and to SW Michigan Hospice. Thank you angel caregivers. There will be no visitation and services will be private. Donations in Ellie's memory may be made to Park Village Pines, 2920 Crystal Lane, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 for the "New Patio Campaign" or to SW Michigan Hospice, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Arrangements by Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick.