Elinor Louise Keiser Uhrig

Elinor Louise Keiser Uhrig, a resident of Lucy Corr Assisted Living in Chesterfield VA, passed away Wednesday, February 10, 2021 at the age of 88. Known to all as Elly, she was born in Easton, PA on July 2, 1932, the daughter of James Ralph Keiser and Mary Katherine Semple. Elly spent her youth in Philadelphia and Easton PA during the school year, and summered at “Lenape Village”, her parents’ rustic family resort on Fairview Lake in the Poconos. Elly was a 1950 graduate of the Westtown School in West Chester PA, which always held a special place in her heart, and from which she formed many dear friendships. She then attended Syracuse and Cornell Universities, but before completing a degree, Elly eloped with her lifelong love, Richard Anton “Dick” Uhrig on Nov 7, 1953. They were married for 67 years until her death. Immediately after their marriage, newly commissioned Lt. Uhrig (US Army) shipped off to Europe; his bride Elly was able to follow a month later. Dick and Elly were stationed in Germany for five years, living at many different locations across the country. They returned stateside in 1958, where Dick’s early assignments took them to Fort Bragg NC, Fort McClellan AL, back to Bragg, and then to Camillus NY. In 1967 they moved to Chester VA, and resided at their house at 12710 Percival Street for nearly 44 years until 2011. They then moved to the retirement community at Lucy Corr Village. Elly was first and foremost a homemaker. Outside the home Elly was active in Chester Presbyterian Church, school PTAs, substitute teaching, Girl Scouts, Chester Women’s Club, and undoubtedly many other organizations and activities that escape her children’s memories. Elly was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, James Ralph Keiser, Jr. More than anything, Elly wanted to have a large and loving family; at this she succeeded exceedingly well. In addition to her husband Dick, she is survived by 8 children, 15 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and 1 great great granddaughter: Children: Rick (Cathy) Uhrig, Lee Uhrig, Bob (Carolyn) Uhrig, Shirley (Greg) Griffith, Kathy (Christof) Braun, Mary (Kevin) Phillips, Tom (Waree) Uhrig, and Bill (Kristen) Uhrig; Grandchildren: April (Patrick) Duffy, Jessica (Adam) Cooper, Chris (Jennifer) Scott, Tim (MacKenzie) Braun, Lukas Braun, Kate Phillips, Jonathan Phillips, Richard Uhrig, Sam (Intan) Braun, Michael Uhrig, Billy Uhrig, Andrew Uhrig, Jeff Uhrig, Josh Uhrig, and James Uhrig; Great grandchildren: Madison, Sydney, Caleb, Sophia, Tucker, Greyson, Cayden, Stella, Benni, and James; and Great great granddaughter: Journi. Elly had two favorite family vacation traditions – beach week and Keiser family reunion. Starting in the mid-70s, the family has gathered 25 times (about every other summer) in Sandbridge VA for beach week. Every attendee had a blast, but none more than Elly, who loved being surrounded by her extended family. Some years we were lucky to be joined by Dick’s sister Ruth Panelli, niece Pat (John) Billinghire, and her children John Jr., Tricia, Kristen and Vickie.
Keiser family reunions were held about as often, and always somewhere in Pennsylvania - the Poconos, the Amish Country, or State College - with Elly’s mother, brother Jim (Jo) Keiser, their children Jim, Joanie, and John, and their growing family. It was always Elly’s great joy to return to her childhood roots. Plans for an in-person funeral remain TBD. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Chester Presbyterian Church. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .