Eleanor Montgomery

Eleanor Montgomery (nee Laielli), of Deptford, passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2026, two weeks before her 100th birthday. Born in Egg Harbor City, NJ on July 24, 1926, she was the daughter of Gaetano and Mamie (Fischer) Laielli.

Eleanor grew up in Egg Harbor City where she was the high school graduation valedictorian, Class of 1944. She met her beloved husband, Russ, in high school. After they married, they lived in various parts of the country, wherever Russ’s construction career took them. They resettled in Egg Harbor City in 1952, where they raised their children among a vibrant extended family.

Eleanor and Russ were high school sweethearts, and their marriage lasted a remarkable 76 years, until his passing in 2020. They were inseparable, sharing a deep, constant love and respect for one another. They truly loved the simple pleasure of each other’s company.

Eleanor had an inquisitive mind and was always up on the latest world and local news. She was an avid reader and did the New York Times crossword puzzles in ink! But most of all, she loved being surrounded by family. She happily hosted holiday celebrations at their cherished Green Bank home, preparing wonderful meals for everyone. Everything she cooked came from the heart and was always delicious. Caring for her family with constant love was her primary purpose in life.

Her three grandchildren were the light of her life and always a source of great pride and happiness. Becoming a great-grandmother increased that joy beyond measure. She loved being the nurturing mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was the moral compass of her family, and her values have been instilled in the hearts of her young descendants.

She is predeceased by her husband, Russell E. Montgomery, Jr. She was the loving mother of Russell E. Montgomery III (Nancy), Linda Brizzi (Joe), Janet Montgomery (Pat); cherished grandmother of Ryan Montgomery (Deborah), Michael Montgomery (Lib) and Amanda Brizzi (Wayne); great-grandmother of Russell E. Montgomery IV, Julia Montgomery, Megan Montgomery, Amelia Montgomery, and Caroline Montgomery. Eleanor was one of ten children, and leaves behind her dear sister, Josephine Murray, of Livingston, NJ, and many nieces and nephews.

She will be missed by everyone who knew her.

A private memorial service will be held to celebrate Eleanor’s life with her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St. Jude Children’s Hospital; by mail at: 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105. Or online at: https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html