Eleanor "Ellie" Reinert, 93, passed away peacefully on January 6th, 2024, with family at her side at Hamilton Grove in New Carlisle, Indiana. She was born on November 5th, 1930, in Springfield, Illinois, to Thomas Lawless and Mary Shaughnessy, the youngest of four children. Ellie's siblings, Mary Elizabeth “Dar” McCarthy, Thomas Lawless, and Patrick Lawless, preceded her in death. Their shared memories and bonds of love remain a cherished part of her story.

 

On June 16th, 1950, Ellie married Richard Reinert, in a union that was blessed with four wonderful children. Together, they built a life focused on their family and friends, until Dick's passing on January 4th, 1997. Ellie's legacy continues through her children, Lynn (AJ) Johnson of La Porte, Rick (Ann) Reinert of Charleston, South Carolina, Scott (Patti) Reinert of South Haven, Michigan, and Chris (Rhonda) Reinert of Springfield, Illinois. After Dick's passing, Ellie forged new friendships at Oakwoods Manor, and Hamilton Grove with both residents and staff members.

 

Ellie was the proud grandmother to Julie (Seth) Melton, Ilka (James) Barbosa, Jeremy Johnson, Serge (Lesley) Reinert, Andrew (Laura) Reinert, Amanda (Matt) Park, Jason (Cara) Montgomery, and Monique Montgomery. Her great-grandchildren, Mady, Avery, Caleb, Ryan, Lilli, Jackson, Clay, Theo, Hayden, and Harper, brought “Gigi” immeasurable joy in her later years.

 

A graduate of Sacred Heart Academy in Springfield, Ellie and Dick moved to Logansport, Indiana where Ellie was an active stay-at-home mom. After moving to LaPorte in 1967, Ellie was a Pharmacy Technician at Coolspring Pharmacy in Michigan City, Indiana.

 

Ellie was a devoted member of Holy Family Parish, St. Peter Church, where she was an active participant in the Madonna Circle and Bridge-a-Rama. She and Dick were also members of the Knights of Columbus and Auxiliary. They made many lifelong friends throughout their lives. 

 

An avid golfer, Ellie was a member of both the Beechwood Ladies Golf and Briarleaf Golf Club. Their golf group enjoyed many fun trips, especially to Nordic Hills and French Lick. She was a terrific dancer and enjoyed participating with Logansport Civic Players and LaPorte Little Theatre. She loved bridge and her dear friends in several bridge groups.

 

As we bid farewell to Eleanor "Ellie" Reinert, we celebrate a life beautifully lived and a journey completed with grace.

 

Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, January 11th, 2024, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana, where a
Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m.

 

Family and friends may gather at 10 a.m. Friday in the funeral home.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, January 12th, 2024, at Holy Family Parish, St. Peter Church, 1101 Michigan Avenue, La Porte, Indiana. Reverend Ian Williams will officiate. 

 

Memorial contributions may be made to the Sacred Heart Food Pantry, 201 Bach Street, La Porte, Indiana 46350.

 

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Ellie’s life, or leave a message of comfort for her family, please visit www.EsslingFuneralHome.com.