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Eleonore Kaymakcian, affectionately known as “Elli,” died March 7, 2026 at age 77. Elli was born May 22, 1948, in Linz, Austria, to Berta and Herman Buschbeck. From an early age, she demonstrated remarkable strength and independence. As a young teenager, Elli faced and overcame a diagnosis of spinal cancer, enduring a prolonged stay in a hospital in Vienna. She later spoke of that time not only as a period of hardship, but also of connection — recalling the deep bonds formed within a caring community of fellow patients. It was during this period that she also connected with her half-sister, Bruni, who predeceased her and remained in Elli’s heart always.
Elli’s adventurous spirit emerged early. Inspired by her friendship with her English pen pal, Anne, she traveled to England as a teenager, where she further developed her love of language and culture. Not long after, she made the bold decision to cross the Atlantic alone, settling first in Cambridge, Boston, where she took classes at Harvard University. She later made her home in New York City, living on the Upper East Side. At a time when such independence was rare for someone so young, Elli’s courage, determination, and curiosity set her apart.
Through perseverance and hard work, Elli built a successful and varied career. She brought skill and dedication to every role she held — whether in sewing, administrative work, or business — always striving to excel and adapt.
In her early twenties, Elli met Arman Kaymakcian and his four sons and daughter. Swept up in his charm, she began a partnership that would span four decades. Together, they built a life that was never dull and one filled with adventure. Their marriage, passionate and dynamic, carried them through many ventures, including a hotel and restaurant, a carpet business, a jewelry business, and ultimately real estate. Their shared journey was as vibrant as it was enduring.
A lifelong learner, Elli never stopped pursuing knowledge. During her years in the jewelry business, she achieved a master’s degree in art history and later earned a degree in gemology from the Gemologic Institute of America — testaments to her intellectual curiosity and determination. She loved to stay informed, read widely, and continually expand her understanding of the world.
In retirement, Elli devoted herself to nurturing the deep, lasting friendships she had cultivated over decades — some dating back to her childhood. She often reflected on the love and support of her extended community, many of whom embraced her as family.
Elli’s beloved husband, Arman, passed away in 2019. She carried his memory with her, just as she did the many relationships that enriched her life.
Elli will be remembered for her resilience, her adventurous spirit, her intellect, and her enduring capacity for connection and love.
Virtual Celebration Of Life
Friday, May 22nd, 2026
12:00pm Eastern Time
Elli’s family invites you to join us on her birthday for a virtual celebration of life service to honor her life and legacy. An interactive online reception will take place immediately following.
Slideshow (Coming Soon)
Photo Gallery
I think some people pass through our lives like seasons.
Elli was not a season. She was sunlight, just like her daughter Mari describes feeling for her mom.
I often find myself thinking about how lucky I was to have found her. Not everyone gets to experience a friendship so full, so generous, so alive. And yet, she entered my life at a time when hers was slowly slipping away.
We did not have much time. But what we had felt bigger than time.
Elli was my swimming buddy. Every day, no matter the mood of the sky, she would make her way to the pool. Elli said so many times that swimming keeps her alive.
In the mornings, I was looking forward to reading her text message or sending one to her, and just like that, the day had a shape, a promise, a plan to get together. I wanted more of her time than day could give.
Leaving Elli in the evenings always felt unfinished, like closing a beautiful book mid-sentence. Sometimes we talked so much that I would forget that I had a husband waiting at home. My husband Allan wondered what could possibly fill so many hours of conversation. Curiosity brought him to us. But it was not curiosity that kept him coming back , it was Elli. Her warmth, her way of making life feel larger than it was.
Elli had that effect on people. She carried something rare.
We were both completely captivated by her beautiful spirit and love.
No matter how she felt, Elli never complained about her pain. If anything, she would apologize, as though her pain were an inconvenience to others. Instead of dwelling on pain, she chose to speak about good things in life, and she had so much to say.
She filled our time with stories about friends she loved dearly, scattered across Austria, New Jersey, New York, Florida… She spoke of them so vividly that they felt close, like people I had somehow already met. Friendship, to Elli, was not casual. It was something to be treasured and celebrated.
Elli spoke of her beloved husband with so much love, keeping us entertained for hours with stories from their life together. And her daughter, Mari— her pride, her heart, and her kind husband Dani, who put their lives without hesitation on hold, surrounding Elli with care that was as constant as it was selfless.
Elli was wrapped in love. And she knew it. If love alone could have saved her, she would have lived forever.
I have never met anyone who embraced life the way she did. The smallest things delighted her. A meal was never just a meal— it was an experience, something so savor joyfully. A book was never just read, it was devoured, and then shared in long, excited conversation. Eli was curious about everything, hungry for every piece of life she could still reach.
She did not just live. She received life— fully, gratefully, without hesitation.
And in doing so, she changed how I understand friendship.
Elli taught me that a true friend does not judge. A true friend listens— not just with ears, but with presence. A friend comforts, brings warmth. Friendship should feel like a place where you can rest in. It should be mutual, generous, alive. It should feel like love.
That was Elli to me.
My husband Allan and I loved her deeply. We carry those days with us— the laughter, the conversation, the simple, beautiful rhythm of being together.
She is gone now, and yet… not really.
She lingers in the way I notice small joys.
In the way I listen more carefully.
In the way I love my friends.
Elli, you are missed every single day. You live in our hearts— steadily, quietly, forever.
Until we meet again.
Love,
Your friends, Allan and Seka Kaytes
Elli was a part of my life. Even when the children were small, we used to visit her in New York. We went on holidays together and spent wonderful times in both Vienna and Tenerife. Elli was one of my best friends and we had so much in common. I am very grateful to her. She will always be in my heart.
We will always hold our memories with you so close and dear to our heart! We miss you!