Eleanor L. Nevala, 91
Eleanor L. (Connelly) Nevala, formerly of Maynard, died November 6, 2022 with family by her side. She was pre-deceased by her husband of 58 years, Charles W. Nevala, who died in 2009. Loving mother of six children: Nancy Finizio (Joseph) of Leland NC, Susan Glenny (Scott) of Duane, NY (formerly of Lunenburg, MA), Denise Scott (Paul) of Antrim, NH and Murrells Inlet, SC (formerly of Marlboro, MA), Charles W. Nevala, Jr. (Rosemary Vanaria) of Biloxi MS and Machiasport, ME, Mary Glavin (Michael) of Sterling, MA, and Thomas Nevala (Jennifer Turgeon) of Vandalia, MI. She was the proud grandmother of seventeen and great grandmother of seventeen. She was pre-deceased by her parents Alice and Joseph Connelly, her four sisters: Alice Cannon, Rita Farrell, Irene Stewart and Virginia Driscoll. She is survived by her sister-in-law Martha Nevala, her special childhood friends Mary (Bunny) Holmes and Jean MacKinnon and many nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and friends.
Raised in West Roxbury MA, her family summered at Lake Boone where she met her future husband and adopted his hometown of Maynard. She was a member of St. Bridget’s parish since 1951, where she was active in the St. Christopher’s Guild. A steadfast supporter of her children’s interests, she was a 20-year member of the Maynard Band Parents, and a member of the PTA for both St. Bridget’s School and Maynard public schools. She never missed a Maynard High School Thanksgiving Day football game and still had El’s famous turkey dinner ready to serve. With her husband, she enjoyed many years at their cottage on Gregg Lake in Antrim, NH, where they had made many wonderful vacation memories when their children were young. She was a volunteer for the Loon Preservation Committee, an avid Notre Dame fan and enjoyed attending Book Club with longtime friends in Maynard.
The family is grateful to the staff of Notre Dame du Lac Assisted Living for their compassionate care for Ellie for the past several years and to Summit Elder Care, Grove St., Worcester, MA for their exceptional elder services.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held Monday, November 14, 2022 at 10:00 am at St. Bridget’s Church, Percival St., Maynard, MA followed by graveside services at St. Bridget’s Cemetery. Visiting hours are Sunday November 13th from 2-4pm at Acton Funeral Home, 470 Mass Ave. (Rt 111), Acton, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maynard Music Association, 1 Tiger Drive, Maynard, MA 01754 or online at MaynardMusic.org or to the Loon Preservation Committee, PO Box 604, Moultonborough, NH 03254.