Elnina Deanna Luizzi Obst

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Elnina Deanna Luizzi Obst announces her passing on August 12, 2026, in the excellent care of Brooks Howell Home and Hospice of the Carolina Foothills in Asheville, NC, at the age of 88.

Born on June 6, 1938, in Johnson City, NY, she grew up in Endicott surrounded by a strong Italian community. Her parents, Vincent and Elnora, ran Luizzi Pharmacy on Washington Avenue and instilled in her a sense of family and the values of kindness and generosity. She graduated in 1956 from Union Endicott High School, having served as a class Vice President and having been crowned football queen. Elnina attended Bucknell University then graduated from Harpur College with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Social Psychology.

She moved to Washington, D.C., where she worked as a legal secretary and eventually met Harry Obst. They were married on October 23, 1965, and have two daughters- Mattina Michele Lloyd and Jennifer Lynn Shidler- and one granddaughter, Cara Lynn Shidler. They settled in Fairfax County, VA, where Elnina supported her husband’s career and raised their two daughters with compassion and grace while keeping a loving home.

A cherished friend, she created long standing relationships within her neighborhood and was very involved with her children’s school activities and teaching English to ESL students. She loved reading, music, and gardening.

Adored by her husband, children, grandchild and so very many family and friends, her kindness and light will be greatly missed. She was sadly predeceased by her husband and dear sister, Anita Joan Angelico. She is survived by her brother, Vincent Lawrence Luizzi and husband James, and niece Heidi Marie Luizzi and husband Jeff Lewis. Elnina remained particularly close to her Utica cousins Theresa La Buzzetta, Joe Lofaro and Mary Jane Malora and her cousins Francis Pezzolla, Marilyn Murphy, Rick Sotis and families. There are too many family and friends to mention but she was admired and loved by all.

She was a strong advocate for literacy and combatting hunger so donations in her honor may be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and Feeding America.

Riposa in pace.

Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.