OBITUARIES

Ellaree Juanita Bligen was born to Gloria Bligen and the late Clausell Coltson on February 6, 1967, in the Bronx, New York. Ellaree, a much-loved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter and sister, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on November 1, 2024. She resided in Hyde Park, NY, but lived in Poughkeepsie, NY for over twenty-seven years. Ellaree worked at Victory Lake, Poughkeepsie, NY as a CNA for many years. She also worked as Lyft driver for 6 years and worked many other jobs during her lifetime. She bravely confronted and fought her illnesses for seven years.

Growing up in NYC was not always a good time for Ellaree. She had her struggles, flaws, and shortcomings, and made her mistakes, but she accepted them all. She had no regrets, and she made it right with those she felt she should. Never ashamed, she always told her story in hopes that others would not walk a path of negativity. She
learned from her experiences and taught that there was always a better way. No matter whose feelings were hurt, she was going to call it how she saw it. She accepted it when she was wrong and made amends. Ellaree was down to earth, wise, beautiful and she loved to dress “fresh to death.” She loved to shop; that was her thing spending money, making sure herself, her house and her car looked good. Don’t play with her. Even when it was her last, she sacrificed it to ensure everyone was good, even when she was not.

Ellaree was strong and held on to life for herself, her children, and her grandchildren. She loved them with all her heart and “made a way out of no way” to support them all. She loved and she loved hard. She
was a best friend to others, and she really put her heart and soul into whatever she did. She enjoyed family get-togethers, cook-outs, spades, holidays, and any reason everyone could be together under one roof. Even when her health would not allow her to fully participate, she was there, laughing, singing, dancing, and talking her talk. Her smile lit up the room, her laughter lifted spirits, and her energy was so radiant that she gave off a vibration everyone wanted to be a part of. She talked her talk even when it was about others! LOL! She “walked her walk” and for that, she will always be a Queen.

In later years, Ellaree loved going to church to learn more about the Lord. She ministered to those who were in need and was currently taking a course to become a deaconess at her church. Ellaree was on fire for the Lord, and she had a passion for bringing youth into the church. Her goal was to evangelize and bring more souls to God. She spoke highly of Holy Light Pentecostal Church, Poughkeepsie, NY, and loved her church family. Ellaree loved her Senior Pastor, Apostle Debra E. Gause, and she often spoke of how her guidance ministered to her and helped her to grow into the woman of God she had become. Apostle Gause was always praying for her, lending a helping hand, and she could call her anytime day or night. She had patience with her and was not only
her Apostle, but a true woman of God for Ellaree.

Ellaree is survived by her husband Ebenezer Peters; children, Willie Wright, Valarie Bligen, Kevin Bligen,
Janet Bligen, Janeen Bligen, and Christopher Bligen; mother, Gloria Bligen; siblings, Vanessa Ashe (Wade) NC; Felicia Ellis, NY; Clausell Colston (Dionne), SC; Corey Colston, NY; Curtis Colston, NY; grandchildren: Jahleq’ke, Ariyah, Leo, Syriah, Keira, Noriek, Kenyetta, and Za’kai; several aunts and uncles; cousin Gretchen Johnson, SC (Best Friend); Antoine Pierre, NY; Thurston McGill, NY and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. She was preceded in death by her father Clausell Colston and brother Kevin Bligen.

“She fought a good fight, she kept the faith, and she won the race!” Sleep on and take your rest and we are going to miss you!