Dedicated life to family, community service
Published in the December 7, 2016 edition
WAKEFIELD — Eleanor “Ellie” Barczak of Wakefield died unexpectedly but peacefully at her home Monday morning, Dec. 5, after a long and successful life characterized by dedication to her family and service to her community.
She was born in the province of Avellino, Italy on Jan. 16, 1931 to Antonio and Rosaria (Cimildoro) Colantuono. She was married to Walter Barczak, a World War II combat veteran, for 59 years, and was fondly known as “Nini” to 15 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her children: Linda Sjostrom and her husband Doug of Tewksbury, Michael Barczak and his wife Valerie of Bradford, John Barczak of Maine, Cheryl Barczak and her husband Jay Butterbrodt of North Andover, David Barczak and his wife Mary of Wilmington and Lisa Sletterink and her husband Glenn of Wakefield. She is also survived by her sisters Ann Ward of Sharon and Rosemarie Mariano of Walpole. She was predeceased by her brother Nick Colantuono and sisters Millie DeNapoli, Josephine Beauchamp and Elizabeth Kelley.
Ellie graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1949 and completed an associate college degree. She had a 25 year career in the Wakefield school system working full time as a teacher’s assistant for children with special needs. She worked an additional five years part time as a substitute teacher for the middle school.
Ellie was a dedicated, active member of Saint Florence Church in Wakefield, including 30 years teaching CCD to children, helping them prepare to become adult members of the Catholic Church.
Ellie served her country every year as a voting station leader. In retirement, Ellie enjoyed the Bridge Clubs at the Wakefield and Reading Senior Centers.
Eleanor Barczak’s love, care, dedication, spirit of service and committed, tenacious approach to life will be deeply missed by her extended family and the communities she served.
The funeral from the McDonald-Finnegan Funeral Home, 322 Main St., Stoneham on Saturday at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Florence Church, 47 Butler Ave., Wakefield at 11 a.m. Interment to follow at Forest Glade Cemetery in Wakefield.
Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the funeral home on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.
