Eleanor H. (Holstein) Rubin

Ellie was born in Watertown on Dec 22, 1929 to parents Lil and Clarence Holstein. She was a graduate of Watertown High School, and attended Syracuse University. She grew up in the shadow of Thompson Park in an idyllic time and in a place she dearly loved for her entire life. Everything she ever wanted was right here, and that included her husband Martin who grew up less than a block away. Ellie was a supportive wife who not only ran her husband’s dental practice, but also continued to support his second career as Director of The NY State Board of Dentistry in Albany. During their time in the Albany area, Ellie immersed herself as a literacy volunteer working with children whose families had newly settled here. Unsurprisingly, Ellie found herself surrounded by new friends in Albany. Her family loved to tease her with the moniker “Folksy Ellie” because it just not possible that any other person on Earth could strike up genuine friendships as easily as she could. If she met a stranger on the first floor of an elevator, she would have exchanged entire life stories by the third floor. Naturally engaging and disarming, her warmth and beautiful smile was inviting to everyone who ever met her.

Ellie and Martins wonderful marriage lasted for 63 years until Martin’s passing in 2010. Her greatest joys were weekend fishing trips on the family Lyman in Cape Vincent. Those magical summer days on the boat with her husband and twin sons Jay and Michael provided her with a lifetime of warm memories. Ellie and Marty had the greatest lifetime friends anyone could ever ask for. Time spent with The Marsh’s or The Lustick’s was all extended family life for Ellie with many happy children, great food and endless laughter. She loved every second of it. Ellie was a lifetime member of Degal Israel Synagogue, a place that provided her a lifetime of comfort and warm memories

Ellie is survived by her two son’s Jay (Sackets Harbor) and Michael (Laura) Rubin (E. Setauket, NY) as well as 4 grandchildren, Emma, Jessica, Alyssa, and Tyler, and 4 great grandchildren, Wesley, Emerson, Maxine and Linus.

The family is deeply appreciative of the care and compassion that the wonderful staff provided her last years at The Samaritan Summit Senior Village.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Degel Israel Synagogue, 557 Thompson Blvd, Watertown, NY 13601,

A graveside service according to Jewish custom will be held at 11:00 AM on Sunday, Dec. 22, at The Degel Israel Cemetery at 22726 Cook Rd in Watertown.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Cleveland Funeral Home, Inc., Watertown. Online condolences can be made at www.clevelandfhinc.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.