Eleanor "Ellie" (Evans) Cianciola

Eleanor “Ellie” (Evans) Cianciola, 77, of Meriden, Connecticut, formerly of Stamford, passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024. She was the beloved wife to the late James M. Cianciola. Eleanor was born in Troon, Scotland, on May 8, 1947, daughter of the late Henry and Jean (Robinson) Evans. Throughout her life, her family would hold a central place in her heart.

Ellie was employed at the Fidelity Trust Co. in Stamford, CT for 22 years to most present position of Assistant Vice President. She was also employed at Wise Components in Stamford for 6 1/2 years in collections. She attended schools in England before moving to the United States at the young age of 18. Ellie lived with her husband Jay in the Shippan area of Stamford for many years. They traveled many places over their 32 years of marriage. Weekly snowmobile trips to upstate New York in the winter and summer boating escapades were very common. Eventually they moved to Meriden when their first grandson was born.

Being present for her grandchildren was Ellie’s favorite hobby. She enjoyed nothing more than being “Nana” to her favorite people in the world. Nana’s love was consistent and true and could be found in the simple pleasures of everyday life. Throughout the years, Nana could be found on the sidelines and in the stands, in good weather and in bad, supporting her grandchildren. When not at games, she would come over during the week just to check in and pick up the “Nana pile”, a small pile of clothes that had stains or rips that only Nana knew how to fix. Nana was also a fierce competitor and often schooled her grandchildren at ping pong. They were good, but she was better, with her fiercest competition coming from her son-in-law, Ernie. The basement battles were priceless! Ellie was also a master in the kitchen. She could be found there on Saturdays making breakfast for her grandchildren or cooking up her famous lemon chicken for the entire family. She was vital in the kitchen to prepare and orchestrate the big family events.

Ellie was a very active person who had many hobbies and who performed many community services. Every morning, she would go out for her walk, saying hello and often chatting with neighbors. The weather never deterred her as she was consistent and committed. She would be found cutting and chopping vegetables during the week in her weekly prep for what was on the menu at the Meriden Soup Kitchen on Fridays. She was also an active member of the North Italian Home Club Women's Auxiliary, regularly volunteering at Meriden's annual Daffodil Festival as well as other community events. Ellie enjoyed staying active. She played pickle ball and ping pong with friends, even offering to teach others how to play if they wished! Her love for life, community, friends and mostly her family will be missed by all.

Eleanor is survived by her only daughter Kimberly Anne Carr and her husband and loving son-in law, Ernie, her grandson William Michael Carr, her granddaughters Allison Laura Carr and Jessica Rose Carr, and her grandson Thomas Ernest Carr, all of Plantsville; her sister Heather Evans, and her nephew Stuart Evans, both of Norwalk. Eleanor was preceded in death by her brother John Henry Evans of England.

A funeral service for Eleanor will be held Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 145 Main Street, Southington, CT 06489. Following the funeral service, entombment will take place at 12:30 PM at Sacred Heart Cemetery Mausoleum, 250 Gypsy Ln., Meriden, CT 06450. There will be no public calling hours. All who wish to attend services are asked to meet directly at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Eleanor's memory may be made to the Meriden Soup Kitchen, P.O. Box 2138, Meriden, CT 06450, or by going to their website at http://meridensoupkitchen.org/.

The DellaVecchia Funeral Home of Southington, CT has been entrusted with arrangements. To leave a message or condolence for the family please visit: www.DellaVecchiaSouthington.com