Obituary of Eleanor P. (Pelczar) Graglia

Eleanor P. (Pelczar) Graglia, 83, of Peabody, died at her home on Sunday, September 8, 2013, after a courageous two year battle with cancer, with her loving family by her side. She was the wife of the late John G. Graglia. Eleanor was born in Lawrence, on January 16, 1930, daughter of the late Anthony and Sophie (Chwalek) Pelczar. She was raised in Lawrence and graduated from Lawrence High School in 1946, moving to Peabody in 1952. Following her husband’s death in 1972, Eleanor was employed as a cashier at Kappy’s Liquor Store in Peabody, and then as an account reconciliation clerk at Essex Bank in Malden until her retirement in 1995. Eleanor devoted her entire life to creating a home for her family. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren and especially her great granddaughter. She was a parishioner of St. Josephs’ Church until its closing and then joined St. Thomas the Apostle Church. She was also a member of the Daughters of St. Joseph. As hobbies, she enjoyed crocheting, gardening, cooking, playing bingo and bowling. Eleanor also enjoyed vacationing on Cape Cod. Eleanor is survived by her children and their spouses, John A. and Irene Graglia of Methuen, Patti E. and Larry Griffin, Paula and Richard Girolimon all of Peabody, Anne and Steve Kostos of Middleton, and Alan A. and Diane Graglia of Peabody; her 9 grandchildren and their spouses, John J. Graglia, Jason and Lisa Griffin, Jennifer and Nicholas Bonugli, Diana and Corey Ricardo, Michael Girolimon and Danielle Girolimon, Laura, Alex and Adam Kostos; a great granddaughter, Arianna Bonugli; 3 sisters-in-law, Czesia Pelczar, Laura Riess and Blanche Whitmore, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her siblings, Helen, Frank, John, Stanley and Thaddeus Pelczar, Mary Rogers, Stephanie Van Dyke and Edna Wallack. Her funeral will be held on Thursday, September 12, 2013 at 9 a.m. from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 260 North St., Salem . Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Wednesday, September 11, 2013 from 4 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for directions, online obituary and memorial guest book.