Eleanor Palma McAtee

Eleanor Palma McAtee, a lifelong Denver resident and beloved matriarch, passed away peacefully on Palm Sunday, just two days before her 102nd birthday. She was born on March 31, 1924, in Denver, Colorado, the eldest of nine children born to Jack and Mary (Piccoli) Ursetta. Eleanor is survived by her youngest sister, Mary Lou. Eleanor was baptized on May 24, 1924, at Mt. Carmel Church - a place that would hold lifelong significance, as it is also where she married the love of her life, James McAtee, on November 3, 1946.

Eleanor met Jim in 1942 while working at the May Company Department Store. Jim had worked there prior to entering the Navy, and while home on leave, he stopped by to visit friends. It was then that he saw Eleanor, asked her out, and began a love story that would span decades. Eleanor continued her work at the May Company while Jim later worked for the Wormser Hat Company.

Eleanor lived her life with adventure and loved dancing, golfing, playing cards, mahjong, cooking, bowling, and spending time with family and friends. Her greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her four children: Michael James; Patty (Steve); Janet; and Michael Eugene (Suzanne). She was a proud and loving grandmother to Stephanie, Aubrey (Grant), Kristin (Brian), and Patrick (Tiffany), and a great-grandmother to Francesca, Alexander, Nathan, Gabriella, Jacob, and McKenna.

Eleanor will be remembered for her strength, her warmth, and her unwavering devotion to her family. Her life, spanning more than a century, was a testament to resilience, love, and enduring grace. She leaves behind a legacy that will live on through the generations who were fortunate to know and love her.

A service to celebrate Eleanor’s life will be held at Our Lady of Fatima on Thursday, April 16th. The Rosary will begin at 10:30 with Mass at 11:00 AM.