Eleanor Helen Abdow

Eleanor Helen (Nassif) Abdow, of Worcester, passed away on Saturday, March 25, 2017, at Saint Vincent Hospital. She was born on November 24, 1931, in Montreal, Canada, daughter of the late Shakir and Skiee Nassif, from Damascus, Syria. She survived her only sister, Ethel Kattas, of Montreal, Canada, who she missed and loved dearly. Eleanor married Edward N. Abdow of Worcester. She is survived by three sons, Michael Abdow, II, and his wife, Paulette, of Cape Cod, Alex N. Abdow, and his wife, Justine, of Worcester, and Eric Abdow, of Worcester; five grandsons, Michael, III, Christopher, Eric, Jr., Nicholas and David Abdow; four great grandchildren; two nieces, Darya Gamel, of Canton, MA, and Lissa Laurin, of Montreal; a nephew, Derek Kattas, also of Montreal; and her beloved and devoted companion who brought Eleanor much happiness and joy, Simon Chiasson, who shared many of her same interests. Eleanor worked as a medical secretary for many years at Saint Vincent Hospital for Dr. Joel Schwartz, Head of Oncology, where she made many lifelong friends (Pam, Candy and Linda) to name a few while she was employed there. Eleanor was an accomplished pianist and once played with the Philadelphia Philharmonic Orchestra in her younger years and loved classical, opera, jazz and even Motown music. Eleanor, who was an alto singer, was devoted to St. George Orthodox Cathedral and sang with the church choir for countless years. She was also a long standing member and a solo contributor to the Worcester Salisbury Singers for many years and, again, performed in countless classical concerts. She enjoyed playing and reading music and especially performing. She leaves behind many friends made during her membership with the Worcester Salisbury Singers. She enjoyed attending Tanglewood during the summer months in the Berkshires and was also a member of the Outdoor Jazz Club at the Castle Restaurant. Eleanor enjoyed travelling as well as fashion, reading and all cultural activities. She enjoyed bringing people together and entertaining. She was an accomplished cook and people would come from far and wide for her Arabic food. She will be missed dearly and was loved by many. Calling hours will be held Thursday, March 30, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in SAINT GEORGE ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL, 30 Anna Street, Worcester, and then again on Friday, March 31, from 9 a.m. until 9:45 a.m.  Her Funeral Liturgy will follow at 10 a.m. in The Cathedral.  Interment will be in Hope Cemetery, Worcester. Donations in her memory may be made to Saint George Orthodox Cathedral, 30 Anna Street, Worcester, MA 01604. The Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel,  370 Plantation St, Worcester, is assisting her family with arrangements.  “May her Memory be Eternal”.