Amelia J. Dargelis

ATHOL - Amelia J. (Grits) Dargelis, 83, of 274 South St., Athol, died Tuesday, October 20, 2009 peacefully at home with her family. She was born in Gardner on June 23, 1926, the daughter of the late Anthony and the late Anna (Wesockes) Grits. Mrs. Dargelis was a lifelong resident of Athol. She attended local schools and graduated from Athol High School with the class of 1944. Many years ago, she worked with her husband, Vito, at their family restaurant, the former Benny's Diner in Athol. Upon it's closing in 1963, she and her husband co-owned and operated the former Vito's Package Store in Athol. Mrs. Dargelis has sold Avon products in the Athol area for fifty-five years. She was one of the top sellers in the region for many years. She befriended many of her clients over the years and enjoyed visiting with them often. She was an avid fan of the Red Sox and the Patriots. Mrs. Dargelis was devoted to her Catholic faith, and was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Athol. She cherished the memories of traveling with her husband to Spain, Hawaii, and the west coast. She was very family-oriented and hosted many holiday gatherings. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She leaves one son, Alan A. Dargelis and his companion Guerin Lewis of Athol; one daughter, Patricia A. Hillis of Athol and her companion Michael Tisdale of New Salem; one brother, Bernard Grits of Athol; five grandchildren, David Dargelis, Christine Dargelis-Glaspey, Andrew Dargelis all of Middleboro, MA, Ryan Hillis of Sterling, Matthew Hillis of Mandeville, LA; six great-grandchildren, Bridgette Dargelis, Hayden Dargelis, Natalie Dargelis, Eleanor Dargelis all of Middleboro, MA, Olivia Hillis and Jack Hillis both of Sterling; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of nearly forty years, Vito A. Dargelis, on February 19, 1985; by three brothers, Lt. Paul Grits, Edward Grits, George Grits; and by two sisters, Frances Archibault and Nellie Bunumas. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, October 23, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in the St. Francis Of Assisi Church, 101 Main St., Athol. Burial will follow in Gethsemane Cemetery, Athol. A calling hour will be held Friday, October 23, 2009 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home, 137 Main St., Athol. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made in her memory to St. Francis Of Assisi Church, 101 Main St., Athol, MA 01331 or to a charity of one's choice. $(document).ready(function(){ });