Eleanor F. Cetto

LEEDS - Eleanor Cetto died peacefully on July 11 at Linda Manor in Leeds, MA. Born in Brattleboro, VT in 1928, she lived her life in the towns of Orange and Athol, as well as Barefoot Bay, FL. El had a generous and kind spirit. She spread laughter and love to parents Iva and Floyd Ryder, siblings Frances and Floyd Jr., husband Edward (deceased 2012), children Lorri and Ted, daughters-in-law Alison and Barbara, grandchildren Eliana and Giulio, as well as to her many friends and family. El was the queen of peanut butter fudge, which she made for many Our Lady Immaculate fundraisers. An active athlete at Orange High School, El belonged to the Petersham Curling Club, and was an avid skier and co-owner of the King-Cetto Ski Shop. She worked for Mass Electric (where she saved enough to buy her first convertible). Active in the community, El was a member of the Women's League and a first-rate realtor for Cetto Real Estate in Athol. Her greatest gift was spreading joy and song everywhere. She lived her life looking outward, ready to help and care for others. A most notable moment of fame happened after having had clothes stolen from her convertible. She and a friend "threw caution to the winds as they pursued a thief on foot for more than a mile in Back Bay Boston streets pummeling and slapping him and finally bringing about his arrest." (Boston Post, October 30, 1952) Her final days at Linda Manor were happy ones where she was lovingly cared for. She left echoes of melodies in the hearts of all whom she met: "I love you truly, truly dear. Life with its sorrows, life with its tears fades into dream whenever you are near, oh, I love you truly, truly dear." The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, July 17, 2015 at Our Lady Immaculate Church, 192 School St. Athol. Burial will follow in Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol. In lieu of flowers please send donation checks payable to Cooley Dickinson VNA & Hospice with Harp Therapy in the memo. PO Box 329 Memorial Donation Northampton, MA 01061-9935 To send an online condolence please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com. Fiske-Murphy & Mack Funeral Home 110 New Athol Road, Orange is directing arrangements.