Obituary: Eleanor Hochberg

Eleanor Hochberg, 76, of Atlanta, Ga., passed away on the eve of Aug. 25, 2026.

Ellie, as she liked to be called, received a B.A. from Kent State University, a master’s degree in urban studies from Georgia State University, and a graduate degree in interior design from Brenau University. Born outside Philadelphia, she grew up in Rochester, N.Y., and attended Brighton High School.

Over the years, Ellie worked in a variety of settings. She began as a social worker serving youth in the juvenile justice system and later worked in banking and insurance. She also spent time working in an ice cream shop, where she met her future husband, David. For the past several decades, she helped run his dental office in Midtown Atlanta.

Ellie was a consummate planner who loved organizing events, birthday parties, and memorable trips. She thought through every detail and had a gift for making even complicated plans feel effortless to everyone around her.

She also loved reading mysteries and, even in her final days, was still talking about a newly released mystery novel. In recent years, her 3-year-old grandson, Mason Hochberg, became the apple of her eye. One of their most special memories was experiencing Disney together on Mason’s very first visit.

Ellie is survived by her husband of 48 years, David Hochberg; her son, Martin Hochberg; daughter-in-law, Jenny Baligar; grandson, Mason Hochberg; brother, Sam Kalen; sister-in-law, Karen Ventura Kalen; sister-in-law, Debbie Weismann; brother-in-law, Lee Weismann; sister-in-law, Denise Abramow; and brother-in-law, Marc Abramow.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, Aug.27, 2026, at Arlington Memorial Park, 201 Mount Vernon Highway, Sandy Springs, Ga. 30328.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Ellie’s memory to the Atlanta Community Food Bank at www.acfb.org/donate. Arrangements by Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.