Gifted artist was an aide in Wakefield schools
WAKEFIELD — Elaine A. (Pendlebury) Crowley passed away peacefully on July 21, surrounded by her loving family.
Elaine was born May 16, 1942, in Boston, Mass. She was the daughter of Burt Leo Pendlebury and Dorothy Mary (Peterson) Pendlebury. Elaine grew up in Charlestown and Chelsea and graduated from Saint Rose High School in Chelsea, Class of 1961.
Elaine was the loving mother of Maryellen Northrup and husband, Charles of Wakefield; Kim Anne Scher of North Reading; Elaine Marie Lavi of Peoria, Arizona; Richard F. Crowley Jr. and his wife Jaime of Billerica; and Beth Anne Crowley of Salem.
Elaine was the adoring grandmother of Justin, Jared, and Cassandra Lavi, Sean and Brian Crowley, Kaylin and Kylie Scher, and Adam and Lydia Northrup. She was the beloved cousin of Jacqueline Bacon, and lifelong, cherished friend of Janice Dillon Ingalls.
Elaine resided in Wakefield for many years. She was very proud of her home and worked tirelessly throughout the years on improvements and creating a warm and inviting space. Much of the work done in her home was the result of her efforts. Elaine was an avid gardener. She had beautiful and lush gardens on her property and was frequently complimented on her flowering trees and gorgeous blooms. Elaine also lived in Billerica, benefitting from the love and care of her son Richard, his wife Jaime, and their two boys.
Elaine worked for many years in the Wakefield Public School system. She was a teacher’s aide and loved her colleagues and students. She was proud of her role in caring for and having a positive influence on so many young lives. Among the schools where Elaine worked were the Little Red Schoolhouse, the Franklin School, the Walton School, and the Woodville School. She was elated when Adam and Lydia attended the Woodville!
Elaine was a gifted artist. She inherited her grandfather’s art talents and enjoyed many art mediums but most especially, oil painting. Family and friends were the recipients of her beautiful oil paintings over the years. She was so happy to know that her artwork was displayed in her family and friends’ homes as a lasting reminder of the special relationship they shared. Elaine was very pleased that her family lineage of artistic abilities was passed down to her offspring and grandchildren.
Elaine was very proud of her five children. She was especially proud that every one of them attended college. She loved her grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them. She took great care to always remember her children and grandchildren on birthdays and holidays. Elaine put a great deal of effort and love into giving to others, and her children and grandchildren were her focus on special occasions.
Elaine loved traveling, and fortunately was able to visit many places with family and friends throughout the years including Arizona, Alaska, Hawaii, Tennessee, Florida, New Mexico and Mexico. She loved the ocean and Cape Cod, and made many trips to the Cape with her cousin, Jacqueline.
Elaine was an avid Elvis fan. She loved the Carpenters, Johnny Mathis, and Josh Groban. She loved the North Shore Music Theater and attended many plays at the venue as well as many other Boston performances and concerts. Elaine also enjoyed spending time with family and friends, cooking and dining, and had a great sense of humor. She will be sorely missed.
Her funeral Mass will be celebrated in the Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield on Friday, July 30 at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Arrangements in the care of the McDonald Funeral Home, Wakefield.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105 or to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, Florida 33607.
