Elenora Josephine (Nesloney) Dahlbeck

Elenora Josephine Dahlbeck, passed peacefully on August 11, 2022 at the age of 96 in Austin, Texas. Nora was born in Gonzales, Texas to Steve and Victoria Nesloney on June 18, 1926, and had four siblings: Dan, Martin, Fred and Irene. The family lived in various cities in south Texas, eventually settling in Beeville, Texas where she spent the first part of her life. She married Leon Richter and had two children, Bernice and Leon, and was widowed in the late 1950s. In the early 1960s Nora met and married the love of her life, Raymond Dahlbeck. Nora and Ray moved to Austin, Texas in 1983 where she lived the rest of her life. Several years after his passing, Nora was fortunate to find a partner late in life and was married to Clinton Russell until his passing in 2007. 

As described by her children and grandchildren, Nora was spunky, hardworking and fiercely independent. Never one to sit still, she insisted on mowing her own lawn and raking leaves almost daily until the age of 94. Nora was known far and wide as an amazing cook and baker. There was nothing she couldn’t make! When asked how she made her special cookies she would say “Oh, just a little of this and a little of that!” In her family, her roast dinners were legendary and always a favorite. Nora cooked with love for her family and was often heard saying her favorite phrases “Heavenly Days!” and “Lord give me strength!” And the Lord surely did as evidenced by those who were privileged to eat at her table. She was definitely blessed with a gift. Her annual family barbeques have given generations of her family special memories of gathering together for great music, laughter, food and dancing on the patio.  

A great lover of music, Nora loved to sing and played the piano, accordian and harmonica. Nora’s love for dancing was something that she will be remembered for most. If there was music playing Nora was dancing, right up until her final days.  It is most certain that when her time came, Nora waltzed her way through Heaven’s gate to meet the Lord and the beloved family and friends waiting to meet her there.  

She is survived by her sister, Irene Kulawik, daughter, Bernice Forrest, son Leon Richter and daughter in law Sue, grandchildren Lisa McFarlane (Michael), Reid Forrest, Christopher Richter (Rachel), Melissa Forrest, Lee Forrest (Cynthia) and seven great-granchildren whom she adored: Elizabeth McFarlane, Patrick McFarlane, Elliot (Ellie) Goedde, Mason Goedde, Kent and Clayton Forrest, Mary, Christopher James (C.J.) and Emily Richter, and nephews Stanley and Steven Kulawik and niece Libby. 

Nora was proud of her Polish heritage and wished to be laid to rest in Yorktown, Texas where her family originally settled after arriving from Poland. Her spirit, fire and laughter will be missed, but she leaves behind a legacy of love for her favorite things: family, music, and of course, dancing. 

Pallbearers will be Reid Forrest, Lee Forrest, Chris Richter, Michael McFarlane, Stanley Kulawik and Stephen Kulawik.

Memorials may be given to donor’s choice.

Rosary 10 am Tuesday, August 23, 2022 with Funeral Mass at 10:30 am at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.

There will be a Celebration of Life Luncheon following graveside service to be held at the 5-D Steakhouse, Yorktown.

You are invited to sign the online guest book at www.masseyfh.com

Services entrusted to Massey Funeral Home, Yorktown, Texas 361-564-2900.

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