Eleanor E. Gaudenzi

Eleanor E. Gaudenzi, 89 of the Willows of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 2, 2017 at JHC, with her loving family by her side. Eleanor is survived by Janice A. D’Elia and her husband John of Worcester, Linda Klein of Worcester, Robert J. Protano and his wife Susan, Lucille M. Covello of Worcester and several other dear cousins in the United States and Italy. Eleanor was born in Worcester on July 20, 1927, the only child of Angelo and Unelda R. (Galasini) Gaudenzi. She graduated from Commerce High School and Salter Secretarial School. Eleanor worked for many years as an administrative assistant eventual retiring from New England Telephone Co. She was a lifelong member of Mount Carmel Church, longtime member of the Golden Years Club and the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Woman’s Guild. She also was a member of the YMCA Encore group and the Telephone Pioneers Club. Eleanor enjoyed painting, working in her garden and volunteering at various charity organizations. Eleanor was a three-time Cancer survivor; she was a fighter, who refused to let cancer get the best of her.  Her courage and resolve was an inspiration to others who were battling cancer. Eleanor loved being around people, and her happy and caring nature was a joy to be around. Eleanor’s family would like to thank all the staff at Jewish Healthcare Center for their compassionate care of Eleanor during her time with them and especially Pastor John Pastor for his support, prayers and unwavering faith that he shared with Eleanor and her family during her final days. A period of visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m., on Monday, May 8, 2017 in MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester, MA with a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Rd., Worcester, MA for an 11:00 a.m. Celebration Mass of Christian Burial; followed by interment in Saint John’s Cemetery. Eleanor’s family has requested that flowers be omitted and memorial contributions be made to breast cancer research at the Cancer Center of Excellence: UMass Medicine Office of Advancement, 333 South St, Shrewsbury, MA 01545: https://w3.umassmed.edu/cancercenter/donate.aspx?ID=2. Please visit Eleanor’s guestbook at www.mercadantefuneral.com to share you memories and condolences.