Published in the September 11, 2015 edition
SAUGUS — Eleanor M. “El” (Cassidy) Crowley, 84, a resident of Saugus, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2015.
Eleanor was born in Chelsea on May 12, 1931, daughter of the late William and Mary (McCreven) Cassidy. She was raised in Chelsea and graduated from Immaculate Conception High School in Revere. On April 25, 1953, she married John F. Crowley at Our Lady of Grace Church in Everett. They lived in Woburn for several years before moving to Malden and later Saugus.
Eleanor, known as “El” to her loving family and many friends, was a natural caregiver who enjoyed her work as registered nurse. After received her nursing degree from Chelsea Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, she worked at the Chelsea Soldier’s Home for several years and at Whidden Memorial Hospital for over 20 years.
Eleanor was a loving wife, caring mother and doting grandmother who centered her life around her family. True to her Irish heritage, she was a born entertainer. She loved hosting her family and friends for holidays, birthdays and celebrations of any kind. She had the gift of gab, a fun loving spirit and loved to laugh and have a good time. In her free time, she and John enjoyed many events at the Malden Irish American Club. She was also an avid reader, enjoyed cooking, shopping and traveling with John. She could cook anything but was known for her famous blueberry torte. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren, whom she never stopped spoiling and laughing with.
She will be lovingly remembered for her kind, loving spirit, quick wit, amazing parties and outgoing personality.
El was the beloved wife of John F. Crowley, with whom she shared 62 years of marriage. She was the devoted mother of Maureen A. McNair and her husband Daniel of Peabody; Kevin F. Crowley and his wife Wendy of Malden; Shawn F. Crowley and his wife Kelly of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Colleen M. Sweeney and her husband James of Saugus; Eileen M. DeMaggio and her late husband Victor of Melrose; and the late Kathleen M. Crowley. She was the dear sister-in-law of Dorothy Powers and her late husband Robert of Winchester. She was the cherished grandmother of Shane McNair, Devan McNair, Jennifer Crowley, Dr. Patrick Crowley, Ryan Crowley, Caitlin Sweeney and Ian Sweeney. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews and longtime beloved friends Mary Gesek and her late husband Stanley of Revere.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of El’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, Sept. 3, and again on Friday, Sept. 4 before leaving in procession to Blessed Sacrament Church, 14 Summer St., Saugus for her funeral Mass. Interment in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. Gifts in El’s memory may be made to Boston Children’s Hospital, 401 Park Dr., Ste. 602, Boston MA 02215. For online tribute, directions and guestbook, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
