Eleanor Varajao

Eleanor Varajao, 86, of Pembroke Pines, Florida, passed away on January 16th, 2025, in Tallahassee, FL. Originally from New York, Eleanor spent the majority of her life in South Florida, before recently moving to Tallahassee.

Eleanor was born in Manhattan, New York, to Giuseppe and Francesca LoBocchiaro on May 7th, 1938. She married Jack Varajao on April 11, 1956, in Manhattan, New York. Eleanor worked at Entenmann’s Bakery for many years, where she formed lifelong friendships and left a lasting impact on her co-workers.

Eleanor was a woman of great kindness, strength, and compassion. She moved to South Florida in 1974, where she raised her family and created a home filled with love, laughter, and her delicious cooking. She was not only a devoted mother but also a cherished grandmother to nine and a great-grandmother to four. She shared a wonderful life with her husband, Jack, until his passing in 1996, and faced life’s challenges, including the loss of her beloved son, Joseph, in 2013, with remarkable grace and resilience.

Eleanor’s warm and generous spirit touched everyone she met. She had an incredible gift for connecting with people, whether through her work, her community, or even a chance conversation with a stranger.

Eleanor is preceded in death by her parents Giuseppe and Francesca, her loving husband Jack, her beloved son Joseph and her three brothers Michael, Salvatore and Joseph LoBocchiaro. She is survived by her children Michele (Michael) Francis and Denise (David) Angelone; her grandchildren Dillon (Chelsey) Ruthstrom, Jack Ruthstrom, Jillian Ruthstrom (Curtis), Jon Michael Francis, Bowden (Jen) Francis, Harrison Francis, Finn Francis, Jack Angelone, and Alexa Angelone; and her great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy.

Visitation will be held from 1:30-2:30 pm on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 2401 Southwest 64th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Funeral services will follow from 2:30-3:00 pm at the same location. The committal service will take place from 3:00-3:30 pm, with a reception and luncheon immediately after at Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Joanna Francis Living Well Foundation. Eleanor’s love and warmth will be deeply missed, but her legacy of kindness and strength will live on in all who knew her.