Elleen Gillespie

Elleen “Lee” Gillespie is a bright light, luminous soul, and tenacious trailblazer. She
passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a lengthy illness at home. She was
82.

Born on March 7, 1943, to Dr. Patrick Gillespie and Catherine McLaughlin Gillespie,
Lee’s life was a remarkable journey marked by intellect, purpose, and an unwavering
dedication to others. Raised in a home that valued education and service, she
embodied both throughout her life.

Lee graduated from St. Gabriel’s High School in 1960 and earned her Bachelor of Fine
Arts in Fashion Design from Syracuse University in 1964. Her passions extended far
beyond design. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy's call to service, Lee joined the
Peace Corps and embarked on a transformative mission in Morocco. She dedicated
herself to community development, uplifting women to cultivate self-reliance and
resilience. Her impact endured beyond her presence, a testament to the profound depth
of her commitment to global transformation. 

She later pursued and obtained a master’s degree in Linguistics and Language
Teaching from the School for International Training in Vermont, further sharpening her
natural gift for communication and education. Lee briefly taught at the Rock Glen Junior
High School in Rock Glen, Pennsylvania and within the Newton School District in
Massachusetts, sharing her vast knowledge and nurturing young minds.

In 1974, amid a national recession, Lee founded Lexicord Associates, a groundbreaking
endeavor that would shape the rest of her professional life. As president, she channeled
her fluency in Spanish, French, and Italian to design global writing programs for
international banking institutions, pioneering efforts in cross-cultural communication and
business education long before globalization became a buzzword.

Her professional accomplishments were matched only by her personal passions. Lee
found joy in gardening, cooking, and traveling, each pursuit a reflection of her curiosity, creativity, and love for life. Her greatest love was her family. She was deeply devoted,
generous with her time and affection, and profoundly proud of those she held close. She
was a passionate and unwavering advocate for the women’s liberation movement,
dedicating her life to challenging injustice, uplifting women's voices, and paving the way
for future generations to live with greater freedom and equality.

Lee is preceded in death by her beloved parents, her brother Dr. Thomas Gillespie,
sister Patricia Surmick, and niece Amy Surmick. She is survived by her loving husband,
Stanley Komosinsky, who was her partner in all things; her devoted sister, Denise
Gillespie Frumkin; sister-in-laws Barbara McDonald, Carol Makuta, and Mindy
Komosinsky. Brother-in-laws Gerard Komosinsky and Paul Komosinsky.
She also leaves behind a legacy of love through her nieces and nephews, Michael
Surmick and his wife Jennifer, Catherine Frumkin, Jonathan Frumkin and his wife
Justeen, Thomas Frumkin and his wife Teresa Bittenbender, Todd Edwards and his wife
Lindsey, Carla Edwards and her partner Steve, Dr. Cara Tolan and her husband Dr.
Max, Laura Shust and her husband Dr. Dan, Rachel Komosinsky and her partner
Andres, and Julia Komosinsky and her partner Patrick. Great nieces and nephews,
Kayleigh Winters Durante and husband Jared, Ethan Radio, Owen Radio, Dylan
Valousky, Sydney Frumkin, Bryson Frumkin, Alayna Surmick, Allison Surmick, Caroline
Tolan, Callie Tolan, and Mia Shook. We finally have a vacation from grammar. 

Lee’s life was defined by intellect, integrity, and compassion. She forged paths where
none existed, lifted others as she climbed, and left the world better than she found it.
Her memory will continue to inspire all who had the privilege to know her.

A celebration of life will take place at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be
made to the Valley Food Pantry or the Hazleton Area Public Library, in honor of Lee’s
enduring legacy of service and empowerment.

Valley Food Pantry
PO BOX 187 CUCC
Conyngham, PA 18219

Hazleton Area Public Library 
(570)454-2964

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