Eleanor Pepio

Eleanor Pepio (nee Duggan) passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 10, 2016. Married to her beloved husband Richard for 38 years, until his passing in 1994, Eleanor remained true to his memory. He was the love of her life, and she believed they would one day be united again in Heaven.

A devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Eleanor is survived by four sons (Daniel, Richard, Michael, and James), daughter-in-law (Lori), and eight grandchildren (John, Richard, Michael, Daniel, Alyssa, Krysta, Matthew, and Jack) of whom she loved dearly and was immensely proud. A day did not go by without her remembering them in her morning prayers. Whether telling stories about her baseball playing sons, taking pride in her grandchildren’s accomplishments, or serving as inspirational muse to her daughter-in-law, Eleanor lived each day reveling in the experiences of her loved ones and encouraged all to pursue their dreams.

Eleanor had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. Time spent in her company was mostly filled with laughter. Some of the hijinks she and her sister Maureen got into were worthy of a sitcom. (It was like Lucy & Ethel or Lucy & Lucy.) Along with sharing many memorable moments with family and friends, she also loved playing cards and casino slot machines.

Many people were surprised Eleanor was the daughter of Irish immigrants, because her tomato sauce was legendary. Every Sunday the house was filled with the smell of fried meatballs, sausage and onions, and friends and family dipping into the pot.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Eleanor was one of six children. (Her siblings included: James Duggan and the predeceased Daniel Duggan, Bridget McGuire, Peter Duggan, and Maureen Simeoli.) The lessons of devotion to family were ingrained in her at an early age by her role model and precious mother Rose.

Eleanor was in poor health for many years yet never complained. She downplayed those issues by putting the needs of others before her own. For the last year of her life, Eleanor resided in a nursing home in Virginia where her indomitable faith never waned, and she continued to inspire and touch the hearts of residents and staff until the very end.

Eleanor Pepio lived her life and battled her afflictions with awe inspiring levels of courage, strength of character, faith, and humor that will be greatly missed, never forgotten, and her spirit lives on…