Published in the September 29, 2017 edition.

WAKEFIELD — M. Eleanor (McCarthy) Garvin, 82, passed into eternal peace on Sunday, September 24, at her favorite place, her home in Wakefield.

She leaves to mourn and  celebrate her memory, her husband of 60 years and dearest friend, Laurence G. Garvin; daughters Maryann Uggerholt of Andover, Sheila Carter and husband Michael of Wilmington, Andrea Garbarino of Reading; and son John of Austin, TX.

She is also survived by her 11 grandchildren Craig, Kathryn, and Kimberly Uggerholt, Kevin and Julia Carter, and Laura, Alayna, Maria, Albert, Michael and Alicia Garbarino.

She considered her children and grandchildren to be her greatest accomplishments, but she has so many more. Always thinking with her heart, she sought to bring comfort and ease to others, especially those in need. She greatly valued her volunteer work, teaching Sunday school to special needs children and also teaching English as a second language.

Eleanor was a bright light and source of joy, laughter, and smiles for all who knew her. She was truly a kindred spirit who saw friendship potential in everyone she met. Her best times were spent with family and friends, visiting and enjoying an iced coffee on the porch, laughing, and talking about books.

She loved the changing seasons, the crocuses in spring, summer cookouts, a good sweater in the fall, and a warm fire in the winter. A voracious reader, she had a wonderful curiosity about all places and things and enjoyed traveling abroad and domestically. She made friends easily wherever she went from London to Santa Fe, or a kind waitress at a local restaurant on the New England coast.

As she so often said to family and friends embarking on a journey, we now say to her – safe home Eleanor.

Memorial services were private.

Arrangements are in the care of the McDonald Funeral Home. For guestbook, www.mcdonaldfs.com.