Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Eleanor M. (Farnkoff) DeCoste, age 89, of Spring Hill, FL, formerly a long-time resident of Wilmington, MA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 23, 2023.
Eleanor was born on December 6, 1933, in Chelsea, MA; she was the dear daughter of the late George and Josephine (Hahesy) Farnkoff. Eleanor was one of twelve siblings who were part of a large and loving family; she was raised and educated in Chelsea, Charlestown and the Boston area.
Eleanor married the “love of her life” William DeCoste on February 16, 1952 ; the couple settled in Jamaica Plain where they began their family. In 1963 they moved North to Wilmington and settled in the famous Silver Lake area where their kids had a lot of fun throughout the years. Eleanor, “Ellie” known by close family and friends, had a great personality, she was so friendly and kind; she quickly became a “favorite” Mom around the neighborhood. Eleanor’s door was always open or the key was in the lock; she welcomed family, friends, neighbors, and countless children into her home where she fed them, hugged them, and made them feel loved.
Eleanor’s family was her number one priority; she was truly the family Matriarch and her Sunday dinners were always packed with family, friends and an abundance of food. The laughter that filled the kitchen was infectious, her family socialized around the table, the aroma of food was in the air, and there were some pretty competitive card games going on at the table. Eleanor loved playing cards, she was an amazing cook, but she just beamed with happiness that she was surrounded by her children, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews and everyone who was important to her.
Summer cookouts were always a great time at the DeCoste household; the yard was filled with lots of family and friends; the kids enjoyed swimming at Silver Lake, and the grills were packed with food for all. These were the times that many fond memories were made, the time with family and friends was treasured, and great fun was had by all.
Eleanor and Bill shared wonderful years together and raised a beautiful family; following his untimely passing in July of 1978, Eleanor continued to keep her family together, sharing all of their traditions and welcoming the next generation of grandchildren and great-grandchildren into her heart and her home.
Eleanor enjoyed traveling with her sister and best friend Joanie; over 20 years ago she made the decision to leave the harsh New England winters and move to Florida. Eleanor enjoyed her new home and community; she made many new friends and welcomed family from “up North” down for extended visits. Again Eleanor’s home was always open to family and friends.
Eleanor will be fondly remembered for her unconditional love and support towards everyone she met. She was truly a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and a true friend to many. Eleanor had a heart of gold and touched so many people throughout her life; she was a shining example of an “Angel on Earth” and she will forever be loved and missed by all who knew her.
Eleanor was the beloved wife of the late William R. DeCoste, Sr., devoted mother of the late William R. DeCoste, Jr., Deborah A. DeCoste of Deerfield, NH, the late Robert C. DeCoste, Denise M. Boles and her husband Jan of Center Ossipee, NH, Shelley L. DeLetter of Derry, NH, and Richard A. DeCoste of Framingham, MA. She was the loving “Nana” of Shawn M. DeCoste, Cameo C. DeCoste, Robert W. DeCoste, Archie W. DeLetter, Richard W. DeCoste, and great-grandchildren Myles, Archie “Junior”, and Shane, dear sister of Thomas Farnkoff, Robert, Farnkoff, Carol Farnkoff, the late Barbara Bryson, the late Joanie Flaherty, the late Dan Farnkoff, the late Eddie Farnkoff, the late George Farnkoff, the late Howard Farnkoff, the late Paul Farnkoff, and the late Richard Farnkoff. Eleanor was very special to her many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Tuesday, March 28th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Dorothy’s Church, corner of Main Street and Harnden Street, Wilmington, MA, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place in New Calvary Cemetery, Mattapan (Boston), MA.
Visiting Hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday, March 27th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Eleanor’s memory to your favorite Hospice Organization.
To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at http://www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
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