Eleanor Jean Racek

Obituary ELEANOR JEAN SNYDER RACEK (Elly) 12/01/1935 - 10/18/2011. The choirs in heaven have a new director! Elly was born to Gordon and Margaret Snyder in Washington DC. She was the oldest of four children. The family moved to Seattle in 1940 where Margaret still resides today. Elly graduated from Queen Ann High School and then attended The College of Puget Sound (UPS). At UPS she met her loving husband of 54 years, Richard N. Racek (Dick). They were married January 25, 1957. Elly graduated UPS with a double-major in Music and Literature. She and Dick raised and guided their family with God, love and a gentle hand. As a young wife and mother, Elly was a church soloist in many area churches. She began her music ministries in 1962 directing the Chancel Choir at St. Charles Borromeo Parish. She was a music teacher in the University Place School District from 1968 to 1977. Elly was ambitious and loved learning, in 1978 she went back to school to become a court reporter. Elly worked as an Administrative Assistant to the president of Reichold Chemicals until they closed in the mid 80s. She then filled the position of Executive Administrative Assistant/Editor to the President of Frank Russell Investment Company until the mid 90s when she retired. In her retirement, she was a substitute teacher in the UP School District. She continued to substitute teach until the spring of 2011. Elly was never idle. She loved to read, knit, crochet and sew many of her own clothes. Elly loved animals, especially her kitty, Baby. She and Dick enjoyed camping in their "tin tent". She found great joy in her garden and the birds. Dick gave her a fountain that sits right outside her kitchen garden window where they have stood for hours just giggling and enjoying the birds flitting and playing in the water. Along with music, Elly loved the theater. She was cast in several leading roles in many local theaters; to include Lady Thiang in The King & I, Mother Superior in The Sound of Music, Julie in Showboat and a dual role as the wicked witch and Auntie Em in the Wizard of Oz. Elly had a beautiful singing voice with a wide range, making her a very versatile and valuable member of many singing groups including The UPS Adelphians, The Clef Dwellers, New Sound Singers and On-Stage! Words were also a passion for Elly. Everyday she sat at the dining room table with her kitty, Baby, doing the daily crossword puzzle (not the easy one!) She was the family's go-to person for editing and advice on important documents, resumes and big school papers. Directing the "One-And-Only, Simply Magnificent, St. Charles Chancel Choir" was one of Elly's greatest pleasures. She directed her beloved choir at her final Mass October 2, 2011 culminating 49 years of Music Ministries. She is survived by her husband Dick; her mother, Margaret Snyder; her siblings, Sue Streeper, Linda Haslam and Paul Snyder; her children Susie Fujita (Garry), Chris Racek (Tracey Bryant). Laurie Glover (Danny) and Robert Racek; 11 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. The youngest, their darling, little angel baby, Julia Margaret along with Elly's father, Gordon were waiting for her as she entered the beautiful gates of heaven. Elly conquered her earthly challenges with grace and dignity. She was inspirational and a blessing to so many in her life. Elly has joined the choirs of heaven to sing with the angels. Earthly music will never again be so beautiful or sweet! Daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, you are loved and cherished; you will be remembered fondly and greatly missed! Join us to celebrate Elly's life at the Vigil Service Thursday, October 27, 2011 at 7:00 pm; and the Funeral Mass Friday, October 28, 2011 at 2:00 pm. St. Charles Borromeo Parish, 7112 South 12th Street, Tacoma, WA 98465. Remembrances can be sent to Smile Train, St. Charles Borromeo Memorial Fund and ACS/Cancer Research. Special thanks extended to Group Health Oncology Staff and St. Joseph's Hospital Joint Camp Staff.