Eleanor Joanne Finta

Eleanor Joanne Stoddard Finta, lovingly known as Ellie, peacefully departed this world on July 10, 2026, in the comforting presence of her cherished family. Born on March 23, 1939, in Warren, Ohio. Ellie lived a life full of love, dedication, and compassion. Ellie was the beloved daughter of Ward and Frances Hefner Stoddard, who instilled in her the values of kindness and service that she carried throughout her life. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Walter Stoddard, whose memories she cherished. She was an alumna of Howland High School, class of 1957. Ellie pursued her passion for education at Kent State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. Her love for learning and teaching led her to a career at Fairhaven Workshop, where she dedicated 10 years to working with adults with disabilities, leaving a lasting impact with her unwavering kindness and patience. In 1958, Ellie married the love of her life, Thomas Finta. Together, they shared 68 wonderful years, filled love and sailing adventures in Ohio and North Carolina. She raised two children with her husband Thomas. As a devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Ellie’s family was her pride and joy. Her nurturing spirit and compassionate nature made her a beloved figure to her two children, John Finta (Sally Totenbier) and Susan Finta Fears (Rick), sister Kay Stoddard Kerr (Earl), Sister-in-Law Betty Stoddard, grandchildren Jason Goss (Kevin Cappa), Connor Confer-Goss (Alexandra), Scott Fears (Madison) and Rachel Fears Gerber (Mark) and great grandchildren Jack, Emma and Eleanor Gerber. Ellie's faith was a guiding light in her life. She was an active member of the Christ Episcopal Church in Warren, OH, and later at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Oriental, NC. Her commitment to her faith was unwavering, and she found great joy and purpose in her church activities and friendships. Ellie and Tom were also long-term members of the Pymatuning Yacht Club (PYC) and the Sailing Club of Oriental (SCOO). To those who knew her, Ellie was a beacon of warmth and compassion, as shown by her many friends and collegues. Ellie's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the hospital staff at Baylor St. Lukes Hospital and Brazos Towers at Bayou Manor in Houston, TX for their excellent care and ongoing love and support. In honoring Ellie’s life, a private Celebration Of Life funeral service will be held in the future in Houston, TX as the family and friends gather to celebrate her remarkable journey. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests cards and/or donations be made in Ellie’s memory to St. Thomas Episcopal Church (PO Box 641, Oriental, NC 28571 c/o Ellie Finta/ Endowment, EIN 56-1315968). This church serves the community that was close to her heart. Ellie Joanne Finta will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched and loved, as she guides us still from Heaven above.