In Memory

Elsie Luch (Paradise) - Class Of 1947 VIEW PROFILE

 

On October 25, 2009, 43 days after the death of her husband (A. John Paradise) of 60 years, the dynamic life of Elsie M. Paradise sadly ended. In recent months Elsie's health had begun to decline, but she constantly battled her illness and lived a full life until her final days, thinking only of the well-being of her "babies" despite her own struggles. After the death of her husband, Elsie was lovingly cared for by all of her six children, Evelyn Tracy, Lorraine Kelly, John Paradise, Joan Paradise, Joel Paradise and Ann Mesaros, who were fortunate enough to have spent time with their mother before her death, keeping both their and her spirits high until the day she rejoined dad. Elsie M. Paradise was born to parents Michael and Anna Luch on April 13, 1930, the baby girl of the family. She was born years after her brothers, John (Mary), Michael (Mary) and George (Anne) Luch. Elsie's brothers were wonderful and always so affectionate with their little sister, unfortunately all of her brothers predeceased her. Elsie's parents were both born in a country called Austria-Hungary, which is now known as Slovakia. As a child her parents taught Elsie about her Slovak heritage and taught her in many of the Slovak traditions. These same traditions were passed on from Elsie to her own children and grandchildren, and have become cherished parts of all of their lives. Elsie was raised on North Avenue in Niagara Falls. Growing up, Elsie spent a great part of her childhood in and around Sacred Heart Church. She was baptized there and she attended Sacred Heart School. Elsie and her late husband, John were married there in November 1948. Elsie attended high school at the boarding school, St. Cyril's Academy in Danville, PA. As anyone who knows Elsie would tell you, there is nothing she couldn't do. When her husband took an early retirement from DuPont, instead of relocating the family, Elsie went to work while raising six kids. She started off working in the office at Bell Aerospace and later worked as a supervisor at Harrison Radiator. In 1960 after reading Barry Goldwater's "Conscience of a Conservative", Elsie was inspired to get into Republican politics, not by running for office, but instead by helping candidates. Elsie entered Republican politics in 1961 as a charter member of the newly formed Young Women's Republican Club. In 1964, Elsie was elected Vice Chairman of the Niagara County Republican Party. Through her political years she was named "Outstanding Young Republican" and "Republican Woman of the Year". In 1967, she founded the Republican Women's Forum, a political group that numbered over 100 women through the early seventies. Elsie was the Niagara Falls Campaign Chairman for a then 28 year old Charles Hannigan in his successful race for Niagara County District Attorney. She was also the County Campaign Chairman for David Broderick in his successful race for Niagara County Treasurer and Peter Broderick in his successful campaign for Niagara County District Attorney. Elsie always looked back on her years in politics and remembers what great fun she had.This is a quote from Elsie:I have always fondly looked back on my political years, meeting so many wonderful people, people like President Richard Nixon and Barry Goldwater, President George Bush, Sr. and Bill Miller, people like Charlie, Pete, Dave and Jerry…fine times…fine people…fine years. In January 1982, at the urging of then Niagara County Republican Chairman Jerald Wolfgang, Elsie submitted her resume for the position of Niagara Falls City Clerk. She was subsequently selected for the position by the Republican majority of the Niagara Falls City Council. Elsie loved being City Clerk; she took great joy in assisting all of the citizens of Niagara Falls and truly enjoyed working with all of her City Hall colleagues. She worked as City Clerk for 18 years, until retiring in December 1999. After retiring as City Clerk, Elsie found happiness in other interests. She travelled extensively with her family and friends, visiting her native Slovakia, other parts of Europe and quite a bit of the United States, frequently visiting her out of state children. While at her home in Niagara Falls, Elsie took great pleasure in working in her amazing gardens, quilling beautiful paper art for friends and family, and most importantly, cooking. Elsie took such pleasure in cooking delicious feasts for her family, preparing treasured family recipes and always cooking for 50, even though she was only expecting 25. Nothing made Elsie happier than having all of her family together for a meal, whether it was Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving or any day of the week, Elsie always had the time and energy to lovingly host her family for dinner. A few years back Elsie began compiling all of her recipes into what started off as a basic cookbook. This cookbook turned into a true labor of love for Elsie, incorporating countless recipes, with old family photos, clever anecdotes and stories to bind the whole thing together. After a couple of years of work, Elsie presented her family with "The Paradise Family Cookbook", a gift they will all treasure forever. The job Elsie never retired from and enjoyed the most was being a mother to her six children. Elsie regarded all of her children as the most loving, helpful and loyal kids. Elsie is survived by her children, as well as her three sons-in-law, Patrick Tracy, James Kelly and Mark Mesaros, who felt great affection for Elsie. Her 11 grandchildren include Patrick and Lorraine Tracy, Rebecca and Diana Kelly, John and Juliann Gavin, John, Joel and James Paradise, and Stephen and Michael Mesaros. Elsie was predeceased by sister-in-law, Julia (late Ernest) Covey and sister-in-law, Marie Borgese. Elsie is survived by all of her brothers' wives, Mary, Mary and Anne Luch, as well as her brothers and sisters-in-law, Stella (late Jim) Leffler, Joseph (Eileen) Paradise, Gloria Wittkopp and Frank (Jennie) Borgese; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. Anyone who knew Elsie will remember her drive, determination, kind heart and generous nature. She was happiest when spending time with her family. Elsie was the heart and soul of the family. She leaves an empty space in our hearts. We will miss her forever. Our lives will never be the same without her.Family and friends may call on Thursday from 2–4 and 6–8:30 PM at M.J. COLUCCI and SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 Military Road, Niagara Falls, NY, where funeral services will begin on Friday, October 30th at 9:15 AM, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Parish at St. Joseph Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY, with Rev. Stewart Lindsay, OSFS officiating. Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY. Visit www.mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online guest register.
This obituary was originally published in the Greater Niagara Newspapers.

 





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