Eleanor 'Ellen' Haberek

Eleanor “Ellen” Haberek, 79, of Hope Valley, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026. Born on October 26, 1946, in Providence, Rhode Island, to Christopher and Esther (Roberts) Rossi, she grew up with a deep and abiding faith that remained the cornerstone of her life.

A devoted Catholic and longtime active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Ellen served on the Parish Council, the Right to Life committee, the Adult Choir, and the Rosary Altar Society. She found special joy in bringing music to others, often accompanying the priest with her guitar to lead hymns during services at local nursing homes. It was through a church Bible study group that she met Walter Haberek, the love of her life. They married in 1983 and shared a loving, devoted marriage until his passing in 2009.

Ellen built a meaningful career as an Activities Director at several area nursing homes, where her warmth, creativity, and genuine care brightened the lives of countless residents through music, crafts, and celebrations. A talented artist, she expressed her gentle spirit and love of God’s creation through oil paintings, particularly landscapes. Her artwork was shown at local craft fairs, art shows, and the HopArts Tour, and remains treasured by those who knew her.

She is survived by her brother, Robert Rossi; her brother-in-law Bill Haberek and his wife Lynn; her brother-in-law Peter Haberek; her sister-in-law Daye Haberek; and many loving nieces and nephews. Ellen will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her artistic spirit, and the independent strength and kindness with which she lived her life.