Eleanor Guanella

Eleanor Ann Guanella was born on October 10, 1940 in Providence, Rhode Island to an Irish-American family. She was the oldest of six children born to the late William and Eleanor O'Donnell. From an early age, Eleanor’s Catholic faith was very important to her. During this time, she so took piano lessons and played piano with her Uncle John. Eleanor and family moved to Little Rock, Arkansas in September of 1954. Her dad had accepted a job as editor of the local Catholic newspaper, "The Guardian". This was a major lifestyle change for the whole family and especially for Eleanor as she was now starting a new high school, Mount Saint Mary's, Little Rock, Arkansas.

Eleanor went on to get her Bachelor of Science degree in Education with her major in Elementary Education from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro on August 25, 1967.

After attending and joining a Catholic social club in Little Rock, Eleanor met the love of her life, Joseph Guanella. They were married September 1969. From this union, they were blessed with two beautiful children, Michael Anthony and Karen Michelle. Eleanor said they dedicated both their children to St. Michael the Archangel.

Eleanor taught school for many years and taught piano lessons from their home. She said one of her greatest joys was seeing one of her past students out somewhere and they would run up to her and hug her. She really touched a lot of lives.

Eleanor was a devout member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church of Hot Springs, Arkansas, for over 44 years. She combined her gift of playing the piano and love for her faith together, and was the organist at her church for 24 years playing multiple Masses each weekend. She loved it and hated to leave only retiring due to her illness.

Besides her musical talents Eleanor sewed, did needlepoint, and embroidery. She was passionate about sewing, needlepoint, and creating beautiful works of art, reflecting her meticulous nature and artistic flair.

Eleanor’s kindness, talent, and warm spirit will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister Kathy Terrell.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years, Joseph Guanella; children Michael Anthony Guanella (Kami) and Karen Michelle Edwards (John); sisters Sharon Berry and Elaine Gerard; brothers Bill O’Donnell and John O’Donnell; grandchildren Blake Guanella (Lilly), Trevor Guanella, Grant Guanella, Marissa Guanella, and Sarah Edwards; great grandchild Sage Guanella; along with many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Monday, January 19, 2026, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Gross Funeral Home. A rosary service will take place at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

In loving memory of Eleanor Ann Guanella, a beloved woman of faith, that used her God given talents to touch so many lives. She will be greatly missed.