Eleanor Mae French

Eleanor Mae (Whittier) French was born in Medford, Massachusetts in 1923 and spent her growing up years in Somerville in a loving family with three sisters and three brothers parented by John and Helen (Munroe) Whittier. Eleanor graduated from Somerville High School and worked as a server on board the Amtrak train from Boston to New York. Marrying James French during World War II was her next chapter and when Jim returned from the war they settled in Malden and raised five children, James, Ronald, John, Janet & Linda. Eleanor was a people person and most enjoyed her family, neighbors and anyone else she happened to meet in Leo’s Market or at the doctors or Nelson’s Bakery. When not drinking coffee and replacing the living room couch (5 children!) Eleanor loved attending and eventually watching the Boston Bruins on tv, and knew each player by name including the current team.

Following Jim’s death in 1976, Eleanor moved from Malden to North Andover; Stoneham was her last stop. Eleanor and Jim loved each other deeply. Jim’s death was a huge loss as was the death of her beloved son Ronnie in 1981.

Another chapter in Eleanor’s life was spending time with her 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; she delighted in each one and was full of joy as she welcomed them with big hugs and undivided attention. That was one of Eleanor’s gifts, making people feel welcomed and loved.

Church life and caring friends at First Baptist Stoneham were a highlight in later years, as Eleanor attended the women’s Bible study, cared for children in the nursery, participated in the prayer team, and visited as part of the Care Corps. Eleanor’s faith anchored her through life’s stormy seas.

Besides making the best chicken wings on the planet, Eleanor worked for the IRS (their approval rating soared), and as an office worker at The Honda Barn where people hoped she would jump to sales. Eleanor reluctantly retired in her 80s. In the last couple of years Eleanor’s daughter, Linda, was her devoted caregiver along with her niece Jane, health care professionals, church friends and family members.

Eleanor graced us with her humor, her smile, her dance moves, and most of all her love for those who crossed her path, whether family, friends or the person in front of her at Market Basket. She personified God’s love in her 96 years and will be deeply missed.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, January 20th at 2:00 P.m. in the First Baptist Church Stoneham 02180.  Visitation at the church, Sunday, 3-5 P.M.  In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to First Baptist Church Stoneham memo Memorial Fund or to a children’s charity of your choice.