Leopoldine ‘Olly’ Elias of Westport, MA died peacefully at the Clifton Nursing facility March 8th, 2025. She was 97 years old. Olly, named Leopoldine Maria Eberl, was born in Gmunden, Austria in 1927 and was the daughter of Josef and Leopoldina Eberl.
Near the end of WWII, while Olly was working as a translator in Austria for the United States military, she met a handsome Lebanese-American GI named Leo Elias. Yes…Leopoldine fell in love with a ‘Leo.’ She was brought to America via the War Brides Act of 1945 and became a proud US naturalized citizen on Flag Day 1946. Olly and Leo settled in New Hampshire with Leo’s family where she quickly embraced all things American. She mastered cooking many of Leo’s favorite Lebanese dishes along with her special Austrian baked goods. Olly and Leo had two sons and the family moved to New Jersey and later, Westport, MA in 1966 when Leo became the Dean of Students at Bristol Community College in Fall River, MA. Their home was always filled with students and friends, greatly enjoying Olly’s warm hospitality.
Olly was an avid bird watcher and devoted cat lover. She produced the monthly newsletter for the newly formed Westport food co-op, and greatly enjoyed collecting seaglass and treasures on East Beach, a good game of scrabble, the challenge of the NY Times crossword, gifting friends her special Austrian holiday cookies and a good glass of Reisling.
Olly is survived by her son, John A. Elias and his wife, Jennie R. Elias, her Daughter-In-Law, Clare S. Minogue, her four grandchildren: Jessica L. Elias, Caitlin T. Elias, Kimberley A. Elias, Patrick L. Elias and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her son, David S. Elias.
A celebration of her life will be held later in the spring.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may
be given to the Massachusetts Audubon Society or the Habitat for Cats in New Bedford, MA.