Elaine Louise Cooney Spiller

Elaine Louise Cooney Spiller, age 87, passed away peacefully at her home in Westerville, Ohio on January 1, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

Daughter of the late Elaine Blanden and Willis Cooney, Elaine was born in Warren, Pennsylvania on October 14, 1936. After primary and high school, Elaine ventured to Erie where she earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Villa Maria College. After college, she met and married Walter “Walt” Spiller. Together they had five children and resided for most of their lives in both Erie and Edinboro, Pennsylvania.

Elaine was a member of Saint Peter’s Cathedral in Erie and Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Edinboro. She was a dedicated Catholic who both practiced her strong faith and inspired others to pray and reflect.

Known as "Nana,” she was an extraordinary and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She adored her family and loved watching them boating, water skiing, swimming, playing catch, cornhole or frisbee, participating in the much-anticipated 4^th of July Spiller Family Olympic Games, or just enjoying coming together at their favorite place — The Cottage!

She will forever be remembered for her famous "eggs on toast" and her delicious "wacky cakes," quickly devoured by her family each time she made one. Nana always kept the cookie jar filled with molasses crinkles, ginger snaps, and “yum yum” cookies. She also had a spectacular snack drawer which she kept well stocked for all to enjoy.

Elaine was well loved and cherished by every member of her family and extended family, which included wonderful neighbors from Erie and the Lakeside Community of Edinboro. She and her lifelong college girlfriends enjoyed taking many trips together decades after they graduated. They even operated a small business together in the early 1990s.

Elaine touched the lives of many with her generous spirit. She volunteered for the Meals on Wheels non-profit organization delivering meals to homebound people throughout the Erie area. She was recognized by the organization for her more than 30 years of service.

She enjoyed playing bridge and was a member of numerous card clubs. She was a voracious reader, a stylish dresser, an excellent cook, and an outstanding hostess who was often the life of the party with her friendly nature and welcoming personality. On an annual basis, she was well-known for planning and hosting fabulous meals, countless dinner parties, holiday gatherings, and summer parties at the Lake. Elaine did it all! And it was with a generous heart and a warm smile.

A dedicated fan of both the Buffalo Bills and the Ohio State Buckeyes football teams, Elaine enjoyed watching football with her family and cheering on her teams as often as possible.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her devoted husband of 58 years, Walter Spiller; one beloved son, Charles “Chip” Blanden Spiller; and three brothers, Charles Cooney, John Cooney, and James Cooney.

Elaine is survived by two sons, Steven Spiller of Edinboro, Pennsylvania; James Spiller and his wife, Lisa, of Newport News, Virginia; two daughters, Katherine McPhaden and her husband, John, of Westerville, Ohio; and Sara Miller and her husband, Eric, of Upper Arlington, Ohio. Nana is survived by her eleven loving grandchildren, Suzanne Spiller Harvey and her husband, Jeff; Chad Spiller and his wife, Kailey; Skyler Spiller; Sydney Spiller Bauman and her husband, Lance; Ian McPhaden and his wife, Alison; Evan McPhaden; Jack Spiller; Audrey McPhaden; and Conley, Mason, and Emery Miller. Nana is also survived by five great-grandchildren: Jaxson, Harper, Charley, and Weston Spiller; and Cooper Harvey.

Friends may call at the Glunt Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 210 Erie Street, Edinboro, on Friday, January 5, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. A celebration of Elaine’s life will be held on Saturday, January 6 with a funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Church, 128 Sunset Drive, Edinboro, with Rev. Mark A. Hoffman officiating. A graveside service will immediately follow at Edinboro Cemetery, 362 Erie Street, Edinboro.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her honor to Our Lady of the Lake Parish, 128 Sunset Drive, Edinboro, PA 16412; or to the Edinboro Lakeside Association, c/o Tom Davenport at 1011 Lakeside Drive, Edinboro, PA 16412. To send condolences, please visit www.gluntfuneralhome.com.