Eleanor "Elie" (Gailor) Hastings

Cambridge - Eleanor G. Hastings, 92, of Cambridge, passed away Saturday evening, December 20, 2025, at her home after a full and loving life.

Born in Mechanicville, March 14, 1933, she was the youngest daughter of Clarence W. and Ruth (Brenn) Gailor of Yellow Meeting House, Stillwater.

Elie graduated in 1949, from Stillwater Central School and later from Mildred Elley Secretarial School in Albany.  After school she went to work as secretary to the Deputy Commissioner of Education in Albany; a few years on, she worked alongside her sister at Dr. Carlton Cornell's practice in Cambridge.

Elie was a member of the Embury United Methodist Church in Cambridge. She was also a member of The Order of the Eastern Star and through the years served in many different positions in both the Upton Chapter in Stillwater and later the Cambridge Valley Chapter, and as Grand Matron of the Saratoga District. Additionally, Elie was known for being a wonderful cook, and hostess, and creating in stained glass.

She leaves behind her two sons, Bob Hastings of East Greenwich, and Bill (Sandi) Hastings of Waterford, Michigan, two grandchildren, and a niece, Janis Wakeley of Glens Falls.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her loving husband, George F. Hastings Jr, who left us February 4, 2016, and her sister, Marjorie Kent, gone October 6 that same year.

After George and Marge left us, Elie's closest friends, Kathleen Betjemann and Laura Leschik would swing by and whisk her off with them every single morning, to Country Gals Café in Cambridge, or Jean's Place in North Hoosick, where they met with others, dished on local gossip, relived old tales, and laughed like kids. That whole crew of regulars and the activity kept her lively.

After her stroke, Kathleen and Laura stayed true. Sunday mornings often meant hot breakfast at Elie's table, and every Tuesday like clockwork, fresh muffins and that gentle nudge to keep going, right till the very last day.

She was tenderly cared for these last few years by her sons, Bob and Bill, and a wonderful list of incredible home-health aids whose kindness, patience, and expertise meant Elie could stay safe, dignified, and wrapped in love, right at home till the end.

At Elie’s own wish, a small graveside service will be held privately for the family at Woodlands Cemetery in Cambridge at a later date.

Memorial contributions in memory of Elie may be made to Cambridge Valley Rescue Squad, 37 Gilbert St., Cambridge, NY 12816, or Community Hospice Saratoga-Washington at 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

To express your sympathy or share a memory of Elie, please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com

The Ackley, Ross & Gariepy Funeral Home in Cambridge is assisting the family with arrangements.

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