Obituary of Eleanor Desmond

Eleanor Marie Desmond, a beloved wife and mother, passed away after a full life at the Wilmington Healthcare Center in Wilmington on Tuesday night, September 23, 2008. She was 80 years old. Eleanor was born and raised in Somerville, the daughter of the late Thomas and Ethel Murray. She was a graduate of Somerville High School. Eleanor married her late husband David and they settled in Burlington 53 years ago to begin a family. She enjoyed playing bingo and watching many movies. Eleanor was a longtime employee at the Café Escadrille, but her most important job was that of homemaker, wife and mother. She valued family and made it her point to be a supportive wife, mother of 4 girls, grandmother, and great grandmother. She looked forward to her trips to Maine to visit her children and their families. She enjoyed numerous trips to Hampton Beach when her girls were young. She loved her home, especially when it was filled with family and friends. Eleanor was the beloved wife of the late David J. Desmond. She was the loving mother of Kathleen Gilbo & her husband Gary of Limerick, ME, Maureen Desmond of Sanford, ME, Kerry Byrne of Billerica, and Patrice McGinness & her husband Daniel of Wilmington. She is the sister of Robert Murray of Tuftonboro NH, the late Evelyn Thompson and Thomas Murray. She was the proud and loving grandmother of Patrick, Melissa, Christine, Stephanie, Stephen, Michael, Jennifer, and John and great grandmother of Gage and Connor. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (exit 34 off Rt. 128, Woburn side) on Saturday, Sept. 27 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Eleanor’s name may be made to the Make A Wish Foundation, One Bulfinch Place, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02114 (www.mass.wish.org). A Message from Dan I stand before you today to represent Eleanor’s family and loved ones. Eleanor Marie was born on March 22, 1928 in Somerville, MA. Sadly, we lost her after a long full life on September 23rd, at age 80. Ellie was a great grandmother of two, grandmother of eight, and mother of four, sibling of one sister and two brothers, and wife to a great man, the late David Desmond. Eleanor met Dave, at age 22 and was married three years later. She had her first child, Kathy in Cambridge. Shortly there after, they moved to Burlington and settled on Holly Street. There, Ellie and Dave went on to have three more beautiful daughters, Maureen, Kerry and Patrice. Eleanor and Dave shared many summers in Hampton Beach with their daughters. As the girls grew older, Ellie worked catering jobs with Dave at Concord Caterer and eventually became a long term employee of the Café Escadrille. During her spare time, Ellie enjoyed being a member of the local bowling league and enjoyed doing ceramics. Ellie also enjoyed watching game shows and always loved her Lifetime movies. Ellie enjoyed her many visits to Maine where she spent time relaxing in the sun by the lake. She was a dedicated grandmother and great grandmother, and always enjoyed their visits. One of the fondest memories that the grandchildren have of their Nana is that when ever they left her house she always waved good bye to them. One of the things they loved most was knowing that when they looked up to leave, she would always be at the front door waving goodbye and blowing kisses. Jen remembers working at the nursing home that Ellie was at. She always used to get her extra milk and ice cream and sneaked snacks from the kitchen for her. Jen says that she had good times with Ellie at the nursing home. Eleanor shared many, many, laughs with her grandson Stephen she always enjoyed his sense of humor. What can I say; I’m sure all of you here today know Eleanor and the type of woman she was. Although reserved and somewhat quiet, Ellie had a heart of gold. She often had Patrice purchase gifts for aids at the nursing home to bring home to their families and established quite the group of friends at the Wilmington health care Center. She regularly participated in Bingo and was on the planning committee. Two special people in particular Ronny and Debbie, who always went the extra mile in the care of Ellie. For whom the family will always be grateful for. It is so hard to know that someone you love clearly has come to the end of the road. This we will all face in time, but we need to reflect on all the positive things and special times that we shared with Eleanor. I know all of you have brought her much joy for many years, and she would want us to continue to live our lives in the pursuit of true happiness. She has been such a fighter her whole life especially since taking her stroke over thirty years ago. For all the pain and sadness we feel for loosing her, there are others that have joy and happiness to welcome her back into their arms. So I ask you all to stay strong and always keep Ellie’s memories close to your heart.