Published in the May 21, 2018 edition.
MELROSE — Born in 1927, Ella Alfano was a life-long resident of Melrose. After graduating from Melrose High School and Garland Junior College (Boston), working summers for the family company, G. Giovino Fruit and Produce Brokerage Firm in Boston, she was married to Louis F. Alfano, Sr., MD for 62 years and they raised six children. When her youngest was in kindergarten she resumed her education receiving a Sociology BA from Northeastern University and a master of Social Work (MSW) from Boston College School of Social Work specializing in mental health.
For nearly three decades she worked as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker at the Lawrence Schiff Day Treatment Center operating in affiliation with Harvard Medical School Department of Psychiatry at the Cambridge Hospital. Schiff Center, an adult psychiatric day treatment program, provided support for severe and persistent mental illness. Ella’s commitment and professionalism was unwavering, she was empathetic and astutely skilled in her care, treatment and support. Not surprisingly, she was always a top favorite among clients and co-workers.
Ella adored gardening and interior decorating. Her homes in Melrose and Falmouth where she vacationed summers since the late 1940’s, reflect her keen eye for design and above all, functionality for large households. They are warm, luminous, airy, comforting and harmonious with nature – her gardens and the sea.
Ella’s cuisine was anticipated, relished and remembered by those partaking. Inspired by tradition and her repertoire of recipes, her menus were well crafted and exquisitely prepared. Tremendous thought and planning created exceptional holiday festivities. She would be sure to take a moment with a heartfelt blessing to reflect upon gratitude and to be mindful of those less fortunate.
Ella was enriched by her travels far and wide with her family. She embraced diversity and richness of cultures. Her sophisticated fashion and artistic sense heightened her experience and awareness as she meandered through museums, boutiques, and cobblestone streets.
Wise and thoughtful, open-minded and tender, Ella had a skillful and subtle way of planting seeds and food for thought for those seeking direction. And when faced with her prognosis, she exemplified courage and acceptance. She passed away peacefully in her home on Tuesday, 15 May 2018, surrounded by her loving family.
Devoted mother of Dr. Susan K. Nkinyangi and her husband Dr. John Nkinyangi of Kenya, Dr. Frank J. Alfano and his late wife Karen Alfano of Falmouth, Elizabeth R. Alfano-Pavidapha of Melrose, Dr. Louis F. Alfano, Jr. and his wife Patricia of Wakefield, David M. Alfano of Melrose, and Mary V. Judge and her husband Robert of Wakefield. Proud grandmother of Natalie, Sonia, Vanessa, Luke, Laura, Alex, Jessica, Eric, Arin, AJ, Johnny and Mugambi. Cherished great-grandmother of Sam, Lex and Jamison. Loving sister of Joseph Giovino and his wife Barbara of Stoneham, Rita Pettito of Wakefield, Judy Giovino of Florida and Diane Bena and her late husband John of Stoneham. Ella is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Visiting Hours were held on Sunday, May 20, at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. Funeral procession from Gately Funeral Home was on Monday morning, May 21, followed by a funeral Mass at Incarnation Church, 425 Upham St., Melrose. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com.
