Eleanor Geraldine Borris

Eleanor G. Borris (née McShulskis) passed away Saturday, October 5, 2024, in Arlington, Virginia. She was born on January 6, 1934, in Kearny, New Jersey, to John and Helen (née Dargis) McShulskis and was the younger sister of John (Jack) McShulskis. Eleanor celebrated her 90th birthday in 2024. Proudly of Lithuanian heritage, she learned to speak some Lithuanian at home.

Eleanor (Ellie) married her hometown sweetheart, John (Jack) Borris, with whom she shared 62 years of marriage. They made their family home in Rockaway, New Jersey. She is survived by four of their five children: Mark (Valerie LaVay), Karen (Milt) Reed, Bonnie Borris (Ken Leonard), and Mary (Tim) Andreyka; her four grandchildren: Rachel Reed (Christopher Michaud), Lane Neiman Dorr (Garrett), Justine Reed (Greg Patterson), and Ellie Andreyka; her four great-grandchildren: Parker Michaud, Adelyn Michaud, and twins River and Elliott Dorr. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Constance (Connie McShulskis) Atkins, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband, John Borris, her daughter, Katherine (Kathy) Decker, and her parents, John and Helen McShulskis and her brother, Jack McShulskis.

Eleanor graduated from Kearny High School in 1952 and went on to attend The Berkeley School/Berkeley College in Orange, New Jersey, where she studied business and secretarial sciences. Her twins, Kathy and Karen also attended Berkeley. At an early age, Ellie worked on Wall Street, which she later described as one of the bravest things she ever did. Her career culminated in her years as an Executive Secretary to various Presidents at Warner-Lambert in Morris Plains, New Jersey. Her professional achievements were driven by a determination to provide their children with access to higher education.

As a young mother of five, Eleanor prioritized creating memories on a budget. She became adept at crafting beautifully constructed holiday outfits, special-event attire, and first-day-of-school ensembles for her children. Her masterpieces included lined, coordinating capes and dresses for Easter, Sport’s Night outfits, prom gowns, and creative costumes for every occasion. Family camping adventures became a staple, creating lifelong memories as the family learned life skills and lots (and lots!) of American history along the way. Some of their most cherished stories involve resourceful solutions to camping challenges, such as flat tires, laundry emergencies (never pack oil with sleeping bags), and navigating trips in unfamiliar places.

Eleanor’s love of music was a defining aspect of her life. While in high school, she was a soloist at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, in Kearny, New Jersey. She and Jack participated in their kids’ middle school PTA fundraiser variety shows, singing and dancing for delighted audiences. She was an accomplished vocalist who sang with the Masterwork Chorus in Carnegie Hall and soloed at local churches. Eleanor was a dedicated member of the Hickory Tree Chapter of Sweet Adelines International, actively competing with the group for over 40 years, which took her on travel worldwide. She also loved watching marching bands and parades, in person, if possible, including the Mummers and the Tournament of Roses parades.

Eleanor and Jack were gracious hosts who enjoyed entertaining friends and family. Their great friends the Linskeys, the Sweeneys and the Kakuvkas will always be a part of the memories they leave behind. Their gatherings often featured singalongs, with their talented friend Margi Linskey playing the piano (by ear!).

Ellie’s love of dancing was another shared joy with Jack, and they could often be found on the dance floor polkaing at weddings, community events, and even potato pancake dances at the Lithuanian Club in Kearny.

A devout Catholic, Eleanor was a member of St. Cecilia’s Parish in Rockaway, New Jersey, where she and Jack were active in the choir. In retirement, she became involved with senior groups in Rockaway Borough and Warner-Lambert and was recognized for completing 1,000 visits to Curves.

Eleanor will be remembered for her vibrant singing voice, her story telling ability, her sewing and knitting skills, her love of the color red and her adventurous spirit. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, with a strong faith, a kind and gentle heart, and a generous spirit. She delighted in a good sense of humor and found joy in all those who shared her father’s quick wit.

Eleanor is missed every day.

A small interment ceremony will take place, at a later date, at the Saint Cecilia’s Cemetery in Rockaway, New Jersey.