Eleanor C. Jeka

Eleanor Cecelia Jeka (née Blasgen)June 10, 1929 – September 17, 2026

Eleanor Cecelia Jeka, née Blasgen, age 97, was born on June 10, 1929, and born into eternity on September 17, 2026.

Eleanor was the beloved wife of the late Thomas Joseph Jeka; loving mother of Joseph Jeka (the late Marie Jeka), Gerald (Elizabeth) Jeka, Ronald Jeka, and Thomas Jeka; devoted grandmother of Kari (Chad) Kinnard, Megan (Neil) Kirk, Jennifer (James) Armellino, and Melissa (Colin) Zofkie; and cherished great-grandmother of Elle Kinnard, Jayden Jeka, Nathan Jeka, Keith Kinnard, Brenna Kinnard, Patrick Zofkie, and Alexander Armellino.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Elsa Blasgen, and her siblings, Betty Ostrowski, Dorothy Parkhill, John Blasgen, Frank, Paul, Marion Helmold, and Henry Blasgen. She was also a dear aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Eleanor lived a remarkable 97 years filled with family, laughter, adventure, and plenty of personality. She was an amazing cook, and some of the most treasured memories of her were made gathered around her table or beside her in the kitchen. She shared her love of cooking with her family, teaching them along the way—sometimes while dancing around the kitchen and making favorites like her meatloaf.

For years, Eleanor looked forward to her weekly bowling outings. She also had a love for swimming and adventuring and was always ready to enjoy life. Those who knew her will remember her strength, her sense of humor, and, of course, her unforgettable sassy spirit.

But perhaps the greatest gift Eleanor gave was her time. Her grandchildren will forever treasure the simple moments that became some of their most precious memories—like days spent at Grandma’s Bridgeport home, rides together listening to country music, holidays together,and meals together. What may have seemed like ordinary days at the time became memories that will be carried for a lifetime.

Above all, Eleanor loved her family. She loved seeing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and her family feels incredibly fortunate that another generation was given the opportunity to know, love, and make memories with their great-grandmother.

The last few years of Eleanor’s life were not always easy, but they could never diminish the lifetime of memories that came before them. Her family will remember the woman who cooked with them, danced with them, bowled, swam, adventured, laughed, loved, and kept everyone on their toes with a little bit of that famous Jeka sass.

Ninety-seven years is an incredible lifetime, yet to those who loved Eleanor, it could never feel like enough.

Her legacy lives on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and all those fortunate enough to have known and loved her. The recipes she taught, the stories she shared, the traditions she created, and the countless ordinary moments that became extraordinary memories will continue to be passed down for generations.

May her memory be eternal.

Family and friends will gather 11:00 am Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at Resurrection Cemetery for a chapel service followed by Eleanor's interment.