Eleanor “Elly” Somerville, age 64, of Philadelphia, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 21, 2023.
Eleanor “Elly” Somerville entered the world in Philadelphia on April 28, 1959. She was born to the late Thomas Gehan and the late Eleanor (née Sulick) Mundorf. Amidst the challenges often accompanying family dynamics, Elly cherished a deep bond with her brother, James (Jim) Gehan, who ensured his heartfelt farewells. She is also survived by her siblings Monica (Terri) Lesko and Anthony (Tony) Gehan.
Elly’s professional journey encompassed various roles: she spent 12 years as an optician, worked in warehousing and at Wawa, and served in early learning at a daycare and as a home health aide. Her talent for forming meaningful connections went beyond the confines of her professional life, transforming clients into treasured friends. Elly’s sincere empathy and kindness had a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
Her love for Philadelphia history was a cornerstone of her identity, and she delighted in sharing her extensive knowledge of Philadelphia architecture and local monuments. Elly’s spontaneous Philadelphia tours, undertaken purely for the joy of it, brought happiness and enrichment to those fortunate enough to accompany her.
Elly is survived by her daughter, Mallory Marie Somerville, and her granddaughter, Aislin Elliana Hodges, both residing in University Place, Washington.
During the shift from hospital care to the decision to choose hospice, Elly’s daughter sought the company of friends and loved ones for a final goodbye. Their collective presence during this visitation was a poignant farewell. As a result, there will be no additional visitation or funeral service. Elly will be cremated without further visitation, and her ashes will be transported to Washington State to rejoin her family.
Memorial:
The memorial poem chosen for Elly’s remembrance mirrors that of her mother Eleanor’s bereavement poem, titled “I’m Free.”
I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free,
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call,
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I’ve now found peace at the end of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full; I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts, and share with me,
God wanted me now; He set me free.
