Elinor J. Laustrup

Beloved Wife, Mother, Grandmother, and Great-Grandmother

Elinor J. Laustrup passed away, surrounded by her family, on January 17, 2025. Elinor was the cherished daughter of the late John and Ella Schlindwein. She was born in the city of Troy and graduated from Troy High School in 1950.

Elinor was employed by the Lansingburgh School District as a Librarian until her retirement in 1988. She was predeceased by her devoted husband Russell Laustrup, with whom she shared 68 wonderful years, and her siblings Virginia Heber, Helen Montgomery, and John Schlindwein.

She is survived by her loving children, Donna and Tom Benson of Boynton Beach, Florida; Nancy Laustrup of Troy; Sandra Bejian of Waterford; and Russ and Jennifer Laustrup of Troy. Elinor was also predeceased by her beloved sons, Mark and Robert Laustrup.

Elinor cherished her grandchildren: Justin (Morena), Jason (Lori), Megan (James), Christopher, Sara (Eddie), Kari (Rob), Dan, Bethany (Mike), Kyle (Kellie), Brad, Leah (Taylor), Carly, Chad, Riley (Kerriann), Nathan, Grant, and Lisa. She was a proud great-grandmother to Jacob, Taylor, Tessa, Kamryn, Charlie, Gabe, Aubriana, Liliana, Soren, Sam, Zeke, and Ezra.

Elinor adored her family and friends deeply, and her family finds solace in the knowledge that she has reunited with her husband, her two sons, and many lifelong friends. Elinor was a kind and selfless woman who always out others before herself.  Her generosity and compassion made her a cherished role model for her children and grandchildren, who were inspired by her unwavering kindness and dedication to family.  Her legacy of love and selflessness will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects at the Wynantskill Funeral Home, 294 Whiteview Road, Wynantskill, NY, on Thursday, January 23rd, from 4 pm to 7 pm. A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 24th, at 10 am at Faith Lutheran Church, 50 Leversee Road, Troy, NY.  In lieu of flowers donations in Elinor’s memory may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, 50 Leversee Road, Troy, NY or the Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club, 501 4th Avenue, Troy, NY.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elinor J. Laustrup, please visit our floral store.