Elena Leonidavna Stewart

Ellie was born on December 31, 1958 to Leonid A. Lange and Joyce M. Lange (Edwards) in Suffern, NY. The Lange family, residing in Nanuet, expanded by two in 1963 with the birth of her twin brothers, Alex and Victor. Five years later, in 1968, the family moved to Campbell Hall, NY where Ellie and her brothers grew to enjoy hiking, target shooting, and having “apple fights” in the treehouse in their backyard.

Ellie graduated from Washingtonville High School in 1977 and later attended Orange County Community College in Middletown, NY. After attending school, Ellie began work as an administrative assistant at WestPoint, where she met Fred Stewart. She and Fred were married in June 1983 in Goshen, NY. During their 25 years of marriage, they had three children: Larisa in 1985, Sonia in 1987, and Eric in 1990. After years of staying home raising their children, Ellie returned to work at West Point in August 2000 as a Medical Support Assistant for the Optometry Clinic at Keller Army Community Hospital. She thoroughly enjoyed her work, as well as her “work family", and remained employed there until her retirement in September 2024.

Ellie is best known for her unwavering and genuine kindness, her ability to light up a room with her contagious smile, and her overall caring demeanor. Ellie loved to read, especially while on the beach or sitting on a bench at the Orange County Arboretum. While she enjoyed the company of her best friend, Nina, her cat, Beaufort, and her family, her favorite way to spend her time was with her grandchildren. Ellie was an amazing mother, and even more amazing “Gammie” she will truly be missed by everyone that was lucky enough to know her.

On November 15, 2024, Ellie peacefully entered into rest surrounded by her three loving children. Ellie was predeceased by her father, Leonid “Leon” Lange. She is survived by her mother, Joyce M. Lange (Edwards); her brothers and their wives: Alex & Kathleen Lange, and Victor & Karen Lange; Her children and their spouses: Larisa and Joseph Ammons, Sonia and Max Dugal, Eric and Lisa Stewart; Her five grandchildren: Joseph (12), Amelia (10), Alana (6), Russell (4), Milsi (1); and numerous nieces and nephews.

All are welcome to provide their condolences at David T. Ferguson Funeral Home in Washingtonville, NY beginning 10:00 am on Wednesday, November 20, and may stay for a formal memorial service beginning at 1:00pm. Burial will follow at Hamptonburgh Cemetery at the intersection of Sarah Wells Trail and County Route 51 in Campbell Hall, NY.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to: RememberEllie.com in order to purchase a memorial bench to be placed at the Orange County Arboretum and to donate to the Fearless! Hudson Valley organization.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff, nurses, and doctors of St. Luke’s Hospital in Newburgh and Hudson Valley Hospice House in Hyde Park.