Elnora McSpirit

Elnora Deyo Houghtaling McSpirit beloved wife of the late Robert McSpirit and later partner to Bernhardt Kramer born to Augustus and Hazel (Deyo) Houghtaling passed away peacefully on February 27, 2025, at 97. 

Elnora is survived by her son Dennis McSpirit and his wife Karen, three grandchildren, Meredith, Sara Anne and Garrett; four great grandchildren Jaeylah, Mia, Silas, and Josalyn; and three bonus children; Monte Kramer and wife Karen, Howard Kramer, and Patti Jeanne Kramer Hivner and husband Robert; grandsons Jeremy Hivner and wife Stephanie, Mitchell Hivner and wife Gabriella and great grandson Emilio. Elnora is also survived by beloved niece Donna Lee Terwilliger and her late husband Bruce, grandnieces Tracey Terwilliger and Vikki Longo as well as many other nieces, nephews and friends both old and new who affectionally called her Auntie.

Elnora graduated from Kingston High School in 1945. From there she attended Kingston Hospital School of Nursing where she graduated in 1948 with her degree as a Registered Nurse. Elnora also went to St. Francis College in Brooklyn where she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in Health Management. Additionally, she was a student in the United States Cadet Nurse Corps. Elnora was a Registered Nurse at the Ulster County Infirmary (Golden Hill) for 17 years before returning to serve as the facility’s Administrator prior to her retirement.

Elnora was an active member in her community, a member of the Reformed Church of Port Ewen where she served as a Past Elder and member of the DORCAS Society. She was also involved with many clubs and organizations including; RSVP, Girl Scouts of America and Ulster BOCES Nursing Advisory Board. 

Elnora is predeceased by her son John McSpirit and her sisters Grace Houghtaling Weber Swarthout and Viola Ella Houghtaling Harris.

Memorial contributions may be made to Reformed Church of Port Ewen, Salem Street, PO Box 580, Port Ewen, NY 12466 or Memorial Sloan -Kettering Hospital Cancer Center 1275 York Ave., New York, NY. Arrangements entrusted to Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 216 Broadway, Port Ewen, NY 12466. Services will be announced at a later date. A tribute for Elnora can be found at www.KeyserFuneralService.com, where you may leave memories and expressions of sympathy for her family.