Eleanor Theresa Suydam

May 29, 1928 – November 24, 2023

Eleanor Theresa Suydam nee Hayes- “Ellie”- of Rocky Mount, went to be with her Lord on Friday, November 24, 2023. Eleanor was 95 years old. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Lloyd “Jake” Suydam on November 7, 1991. Surviving her are her daughter, Donna Suydam Laing and husband Cliff Laing, her granddaughter, Tamara “Tammy Joy” Robb and husband Dean Robb, her devoted nephew, Tommy Suydam, and many loving Suydam nieces and nephews. Also surviving Ellie are her best friends, her “second daughter and second son-in-law” Jeannette and Wayne Adkins who always watched out for Ellie, and her very dear friend Deborah Wray.

Ellie was born and raised in New York and lived in New Jersey for many years. She owned her own delicatessen, and after marrying Jake in 1970, she worked at his side in their meat market and deli, Birchwood Quality Meats in Brick, NJ. When Ellie was 60 years old, they retired and moved to Rocky Mount to be in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains that they had both loved visiting.

She was a member of the Rocky Mount First Church of the Brethren since 1992. She sang in the choir and taught Sunday school. For many years she opened the church every Sunday morning, turned on the lights and heat, handed out bulletins, and kept the church kitchen spotless. She spent most of her 95 years bringing love and laughter into the lives of everyone who knew her.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Friday, April 26, 2024 at Flora Funeral Chapel.