Eleonora "Ellen" K. Vanky

Eleonora Kamilla Vanky (nee Szeplaki), of Lake Saint Louis, MO, passed away Monday, October 26, 2026, at the age of 95. Beloved wife of the late Karoly (Karl) Vanky; cherished daughter of the late Jozef and Karolina Szeplaki; devoted mother of Virginia (Darrell) VankyGrifka; loving grandmother of Aidan, Drew, and Reann; and dear aunt of Krisztina Halassy and Laszlo Zsemlye. Eleonora was preceded in death by her daughter, Victoria M. McClain (Vanky); her niece Christina Anderson; and her two sisters, Kristina (Laszlo) Sandor and Dora (Laszlo Zsemlye) Morgan.

Ellen lived a life filled with love, adventure, music, and a genuine zest for life. Her beautiful love story with Karl began when they met at a dance in Budapest, Hungary. The two fell in love and married in 1954. They later moved to the Dusseldorf area of Germany in 1956 before immigrating to New York in 1959 to begin a new chapter together.

Ellen had a natural talent for singing and dancing, and enjoyed performing in the chorus of the Hungarian Opera House. She loved music, enjoyed playing tennis, and embraced opportunities to experience something new. She also loved to travel and especially treasured the many trips she took throughout the United States with her family, creating memories that would last a lifetime.

Warm, outgoing, and generous, Ellen had a special way of making people feel welcome. She could bring people out of their shells and fill a room with energy and laughter. Her compassionate nature led her to volunteer, including spending time with residents of senior living communities, where her kindness and cheerful presence brought comfort and companionship to others.

Ellen also found happiness in life’s simple pleasures: tending to her rose garden, enjoying life by the lake, spending time with her beloved dogs, and sharing summers with her cherished grandchildren. She especially loved watching hockey with her family and sharing in the excitement of those moments together.

Creative and talented, Ellen enjoyed knitting, crocheting, and sewing. She was a gifted seamstress who could bring beauty to life through her hands.

Above all, Ellen was a courageous and remarkable woman who embraced life wholeheartedly and loved her family more than anything. Her warmth, kindness, adventurous spirit, and zest for life touched so many. She was deeply loved and will be greatly missed, but the memories she created, the happiness she brought to others, and the love she shared will remain in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

A memorial service in Ellen's honor will be held on Friday, November 6th, at 10:30AM at Baue Cave Springs Funeral Home. 

Memorials may be made in Ellen's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Boys Town, or Paralyzed Veterans of America.