Elinor "Ellie" Nicklawske

Elinor Marie Nicklawske

Formerly of North St. Paul died peacefully Tuesday, April 15 at Quiet Oaks Hospice in St. Augusta after an eight year battle with Alzheimers disease. She was 87. Preceded in death by her parents Walter and Leona Schmitt. Survived by her husband of 64 years Thomas James Nicklawske. Four children Mark (Jennifer Moore), Ann (Jon) McGee, Michael (Kristen) and Mary (Barry Cool). Eight grandchildren: Andrew, Nick, Ben and Kate McGee; James, Julia and David Nicklawske and Leo Cool. Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, Elinor graduated from St. Agnes High School in 1955 and earned an English degree from the College of St. Catherine in 1959. She worked at the Catholic Athletic Association and taught for one year at New Prague High School. She married Thomas in 1960. The couple moved to North St. Paul in 1968 where they lived for 54 years. Elinor was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was active at St. Peter's Grade School in North St. Paul where she served as a substitute teacher and Girl Scout leader. After raising her children, she earned a Masters Degree in Library Science and worked in the Hill-Murray High School Library from 1983-1998. Ellie loved to read and travel, starting with her girlfriends on a 1950's road trip out west. She regularly visited family in New York City and organized countless cross-country trips with Tom in their custom van. She was a dedicated genealogist, traveling back to her Bohemian roots in Europe. Ellie was a life-long learner, attending numerous senior classes at the University of St. Thomas with longtime friends. In retirement, she volunteered regularly at the Ramsey County Library book store in Maplewood. She also cherished her role as Grandma to her 8 grandchildren. She had a remarkable smile, a warm heart and always had a nice word to say about everyone. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Family Means, Open Windows Books or Friends of the Ramsey County Library. Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm Thursday, April 24 at MUELLER MEMORIAL, 4738 Bald Eagle Avenue, White Bear Lake. Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. Friday, April 25 at CHURCH OF ST. PETER, 2600 Margaret Street, North St. Paul with visitation starting at 10:00 am at the church.