Ellinor L. Nightingale

Troy - Ellinor Lydia Nightingale, beloved wife and mother, died Saturday, September 16 at the Springs in Troy, NY. She was 86 years old.

A native of Zgierz, Poland, Ellinor found her faith as a teenager, when she examined reasons for belief in Jesus Christ. Her faith would be a hallmark of all her intellectual pursuits, cross-cultural interactions, and her desire to serve other people and meet their needs. This would often take the form of teaching women's Bible studies, vacation Bible school and Sunday school, inviting many people to meals at her home, and volunteering, including work at Columbia Memorial Hospital, Nassau Public Library and local nursing homes.

Ellinor was born on June 8, 1931 to Oswald and Lydia Schultz. Her father was a master weaver and her mother was a seamstress. Ellinor was educated in Poland and Lübeck, Germany, where she attended a select high school and later a pharmacological training program. She worked for a chemical company in their laboratory after immigrating to the United States in 1952.

Ellinor had a great love of reading and enjoyed traveling with her husband and family. Ellinor made life better and more beautiful for everyone around her. She published an autobiography of her youth in Eastern Europe and her experiences during World War II; titled Ellinor's Memoirs and tells the story of God's power and grace during dark times.

Ellinor is survived by her husband and best friend of more than 60 years, William, a son, Luke (Luona) of Schaghticoke, NY, two daughters, Carol (Steve) Koch of Vermont and LeAnne (John) Andersen of Pennsylvania and 15 grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at Brunswick Baptist Church, 385 Grange Road, Troy, NY, 12180 on Saturday, September 30 at 2:00pm. A calling hour will be held at 1:00pm at the church.