Elisa M. "Ellie" Goldberg's Obituary
With immense courage, Elisa M. “Ellie” (Coletti) Goldberg of East Syracuse left the first 93 years of her journey on February 27 to begin her next chapter. She was love. Ellie started her life in the Bronx, NY where she loved to dance, read and generally delight everyone who knew her. Smart as a whip, she graduated high school at 16 to attend Hunter College and then Columbia University. She taught high school English in New York City for 37 1/2 years and was beloved by her colleagues and students. It is in the school in which she taught that she met and fell in love with her husband, Harold, who predeceased her in 2015. They raised their daughter Lisa to be curious. Ellie’s great passions in life were her family – especially her grandchildren (Sarah and Annie) --and her dogs, theater, dance and art of all kinds, the New York Times crossword puzzle, a nice drink before dinner, learning, travel, and kindness. She laughed easily and often, and we will miss her terribly.
She leaves behind her daughter, Lisa (Mitchell Jaffe); two granddaughters, Sarah and Annie; her sister, Rachel (Robert) Smith and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 4, 2019 from 9:45 – 10:45 am at Holy Cross Church, 4112 E. Genesee St., Syracuse, followed by a Funeral Mass in celebration of Ellie’s life at 11:00 am at Holy Cross Church. Burial will be in Onondaga County Veterans Cemetery.
Special thanks are given to the loving and compassionate nursing staff of St. Joseph’s unit 3.1 and the palliative care team. To honor Ellie, practice kindness and contribute to the charity of your choice. “Love doesn’t die, People do. So, when all that’s left of me is love, give me away.” – Merrit Malloy
What’s your fondest memory of Elisa?
What’s a lesson you learned from Elisa?
Share a story where Elisa's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Elisa you’ll never forget.
How did Elisa make you smile?

