Eleanore B. "Ellie" Shambour, 86

Eleanore B. “Ellie” Shambour, age 86, of New Prague, died peacefully with her family at her side on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at United Hospital in St. Paul.  Ellie was born on November 30, 1937, in Webster, MN to Joseph and Stella (McDonough) Leahy.  She attended country school and graduated from Northfield High School.  She married Leonard J. Shambour on August 28, 1956, at Annunciation Catholic Church in Hazelwood.  

Eleanore was a true farm wife, milking cows and raising chickens, and helping her husband with other farm chores.  In addition, she served as a Guardian Ad Litum for the county for 27 years and was on the Minneapolis/St. Paul Diocesan Tribunal.  She was a woman of strong faith and was an extension of her husband’s Permanent Deaconate Program, serving side-by-side with him in  every  aspect.  Many of the activities she was involved with were a result of her service and faith: Council of Catholic Women, Befrienders, CCD, Meals-on-Wheels, and Cursillo, where she served as a head leader on one of the weekend retreats. She was involved in Home Extension and was a 4-H leader when her children were growing up.

Ellie was proud of her Irish heritage and always said she was 102% Irish.  The highlight of one of their many trips was a 25^th anniversary trip to Ireland with friends. They enjoyed multiple road trips/vacations with family and friends.  She was stubborn but fair and gentle when raising her children.  She was very private and humble and the world’s greatest friend.  She was always the last one to eat at a gathering, the first one to lend a hand, and the last to leave because she insisted on staying to help clean up.  Her door was always open and If she was hosting, food was plentiful.  If you left hungry, it was your own fault.  She was an avid bowler and a member of a women’s bowling league for 40 years.  She enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren’s sporting events like hockey & baseball, as well as dance and tractor pulls.  She enjoyed playing cards and was always available for a good game of cards and an occasional trip to the casino.  

Her greatest joy was her family and most especially, babies. She was dedicated to her husband, never let him “go to town” with farm clothes on, and served as his chauffer for the years when he couldn’t drive.  Her gentleness, kind heart, sweet smile that lit up her eyes will be missed by all who knew her.

 Ellie is survived by her loving husband, Leonard; children, Debra Shambour of Le Sueur, Cindy (Jeff) Runyon of New Prague, Sandra Shambour of New Prague, Donna (Dan) Kes of Lonsdale, Peggy (David) Hindermann, Sr., of New Prague, Marty (Kimberly) Shambour of New Prague; 11 grandchildren; 4 step-grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Molly (Donnie) Smisek of Lonsdale.  She is preceded in death by her parents; sister, Inez Malecha; brothers, Joe & Jim Leahy.

 Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, January 25, 2024, at 10 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Michael Miller officiating.  Father Kevin Clinton, Father Eugene Theisen, and Deacon Dan Wesley will con-celebrate.  Visitation will take place Wednesday from 4-7 p.m. and Thursday morning from 7:30-9:30 at Bruzek Funeral Home.  Burial will occur at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery followed by lunch at the KC Hall. 

The family would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Dr. O’Rourke and nurse, Jane, and staff at Parkview Medical Clinic, as well as the many wonderful caregivers at United Hospital, St. Francis Hospital, Abbott Hospital, Mayo Hospital New Prague, and the staff at Mala Strana for the kind and loving care they gave to Ellie and her family.

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