Elsa M. (Eck) Donnelly, age 85, of Varysburg passed away surrounded by her loving family on June 7, 2019 in Batavia, New York. Elsa was born in Varysburg on April 28, 1934, the daughter of the late Glenn and Elsa (Ripstein) Eck. A 1951 graduate of Attica High School, Elsa was a cheerleader, member of Glee Club, president of the FHA, and on the Senior Play Committee. Elsa was a member of Saints Joachim and Anne Parish in Varysburg and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Above everything else, Elsa loved her family; they were her pride and joy.

The 1951 high school yearbook "Who's Who" shows Elsa being voted "best future wife" and her high school sweetheart, Jim, voted "best future husband." Together they proved it true and were married on September 30, 1953 during a leave Jim had while serving in the U.S. Army (Korean War). When "her service-man" returned to active duty, Elsa worked for the Rochester Telephone Company in Warsaw as an operator in a one room telephone / switchboard office. Upon Jim's return and the birth of their first child in 1956, Elsa became a full time homemaker. Keeping track of the four boys (that would come in five years) kept her more than busy. Elsa and Jim had 45 years together before Jim passed on March 28, 1999.

Elsa was preceded in death by her husband; James E. Donnelly, two sons; Patrick J. Donnelly and Paul R. Donnelly, a grandson; James P. Donnelly, and two sisters; Dora (Chet) Griffen and Glenna (Wesley) Laird.

Survivors include two sons, Peter (Jane) Donnelly of Attica and Perry (David Prusinski) Donnelly of Holley; two daughters-in-law, Connie Donnelly of Warsaw and Kelly Donnelly of Rochester; five grandchildren, Sandy (Dave) Grimm, Michael (Ashley Lathrop) Donnelly, Steven (Amanda) Donnelly, Stacy (Rob) Crowley, and Matthew (Miranda Walker) Donnelly. "Gramma E." loved visits from her great-grandchildren; Jimmy, Adam, Luke, Maggie, Jeslynn, Connor, Caleb, Denny, Ethan, Lydia, Annie (and number twelve due in September). The Lincoln Logs in the front hall closet are well loved. Elsa also leaves behind her two brothers; Richard (late Sue) Eck and Gary (Mary Ann) Eck both of Varysburg.

A memorial mass will be held at 11am Friday, July 5 ^th at St. Joachim and Anne Church in Varysburg with Father James Fugle as celebrant. Burial will take place privately in the St. Joseph's Cemetery in Varysburg at the convenience of the family. The family requests no flowers, however memorial contributions may be made in Elsa's name to Crossroads House (Batavia) or the Varysburg Fire/Rescue.