Obituary of Elaine Ann Wishneusky

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Elaine (Ognibeni) Wishneusky, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend passed away on Thursday, January 11th, surrounded by her loving family after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Elaine is predeceased by her father, Salvatore Ognebeni and her mother, Sarah (Orlando) Ognibeni. She is survived by her two loving sons, Carl Wishneusky and Mark Wishneusky, his wife Melissa, her four beloved grandchildren, Violette, Michael, Veronica and Isaiah whom they affectionately call “mama”, her loyal sister, Anita Connerty and her wife Jean Reed, her cherished nephew Sean Connerty, Nicolette Reed and Travis Cook, her cousins Peter Carnicelli, Denise Orecchio, Betty Bonomi, Skip Orlando, the late Anna Jordan, Donna Alberino, Joe Alberino, Vita Marie and Linda Truitt, her Aunt Marie Giordano, her 2nd cousins Peter Jr, Alison, Nancy and David.

There was no greater joy Elaine had than spending time with her sons. Elaine enjoyed traveling with her son Carl and was blessed to visit many places around the world with him, both on the cruises where he was working and on multiple trips to Sicily. Elaine enjoyed staying in Rhode Island with her son Mark and his family for weekends where she’d lovingly take over the kitchen to bake and cook for the whole family. She was an amazing sister to Anita who will always cherish the life and times they spent together and to know how Elaine always looked out, loved and cared for her. She was an incredible mother-in-law to Melissa and their conversations will be missed terribly. Violette will miss her card games with Mama, Michael will miss watching truck crashes with Mama, Isaiah will miss painting with Mama and Veronica will miss sitting on Mama’s lap to watch her ipad. Every summer Elaine would host Carl, Mark and his family at The Village of Loon Mountain. This week alone with her sons and grandchildren was a highlight in her life and ours. These are memories that we will hold close to our hearts.

Elaine had many passions. She graduated from Northeastern University and started her career as a nurse in 1972. Elaine was gifted with compassion and empathy and went on to a 40+ year career serving her patients as a wound care specialist and touched the lives of many patients and co-workers. It was only fitting that the last wound she healed was for her grandson, Michael.

Elaine is well known for her cooking and baking and shared this love with every person she knew. Every Christmas she hosted her favorite party of the year–’Gift Swap’–where you could find family, friends, neighbors and strangers enjoying her cuisine. That was the very essence of who Elaine was. She was a friend to all. In the summer she spent time tending to her multiple gardens and visiting the beach. She was always learning something new and learned the art of belly dancing for 20+ years. Elaine also had a knack for thrifting and always walked away with the best deals. You should see her shoe closet. She was a devout Catholic and served her church for many years making meals for the priests and serving communion. She was a woman of deep faith. 

Elaine grew up in Medford where she formed lifelong friendships.  When she moved to Burlington her gift for making friends continued to flourish. These friendships have weathered all storms, including Elaine’s most recent struggle with her health. Her friends stood by her side and our family’s side and we are grateful for all of their love and support.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington, MA on Wednesday, January 17 from 4-7pm. Funeral from the Funeral Home on Thursday, January 18 at 9am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret Church, in St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn St. at 10am.  The burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Elaine’s name may be made to Little People of America (LPA) District 1, 36 Anthony Rd, Franklin MA 02038 or St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington, MA 01803

For online guestbook and video tribute, see sullivanfuneralhome.net