Elsie Dorothy Neidkowski

“Be gentle with your mother. Look at the woman who gave you your very first breath…because one day the silence she leaves behind will be the loudest thing that you have ever heard.”

Elsie Dorothy Neidkowski, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on March 28, 2026, at the age of 97.

Elsie was born in Maspeth, New York on October 12, 1928 to parents Johanna (nee Kropfl) and Frank Staar. She graduated from Jamaica High School and went on to study Cosmetology. She worked in all aspects of hairstyling before joining a prestigious New York department store where she excelled in the accounting department.

Elsie met her beloved husband, Edward Neidkowski, Sr. on a group date with friends. They were united in marriage on September 23, 1950, and blessed with a loving family, raising three children, Marion, Edward Jr. and Peter.

Always at the center of Elsie’s life, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family, placing their needs above her own. A true “Jill of all trades”, she brought boundless energy and care to everything she did. Whether upholstering furniture, serving as Den Mother for Ed’s Boy Scout troop, preparing delicious meals, decorating for the Holidays, baking amazing Christmas cookies, or creating stunning three-tier wedding cakes, Elsie poured her heart into it all. She found joy in sewing, crocheting and knitting – each done with remarkable skill and love.

She was a loving and devoted mother whose kindness and generosity ensured her family was always cared for and blessed with more than enough.

Elsie is survived by her children, Marion, Edward Jr. and Peter; sister Susanne, bother-in-law Bob;  daughter-in-law: Monica and Lorena; grandchildren: Jeffrey, Jaclyn (Tim), Celia, Laura, Ethan and Brooke (Tyler), and great-grandchildren, Sophia, Dylan, Winnie, Lucia, Oliver and Ellis.

Though our hearts and broken, we find comfort in knowing Elsie is at peace in the presence of the Lord., reunited with loved ones and embraced in eternal life.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." -Matthew 25:23

In my Father's house are many rooms... I go to prepare a place for you. " John 14:2-3