Eleanor R. Picchietti, née Eleanora Gentile, age 99, passed peacefully on July 17, 2020. She relished life — visiting with family and friends, caring for the less fortunate and living traditional Italian Catholic values with a modern touch. Known for always being helpful, considerate, funny, and wise.
Eleanor lived her entire life in Chicago, not far from where she was born in 1920. Growing up with six siblings during the Great Depression, she learned to be strong but gentle, to work hard, to be frugal and to give generously. Marrying John in 1946 added his six siblings to her immediate family. That soon expanded to include their three children and a dozen-plus nieces and nephews – all living nearby. She was always active in the community – collecting excess fruits and veggies from neighborhood stores to distribute to the less fortunate and marching for the March of Dimes to provide health care for mothers and babies. For more than 50 years she walked to the church across the street from her home to pray, help with projects and sing in the choir.
“Aunt El” valued education and kept herself informed and mentally sharp, doing crossword puzzles and regularly beating contestants on Wheel of Fortune to the right answers. She enjoyed being among people, whether playing cards, dancing or just visiting. Until very recently she would check in on friends and engage in good-natured teasing with family members, responding with piercing wit in her signature loving, no-nonsense way.
But, most of all, Eleanor loved being with people, cooking and nurturing. She shone while raising and being with her children, watching her seven grandchildren grow to be successful adults and hovering over her five great-grandchildren. The fond memories of her kind words and spirited personality – and the joyful, knowing twinkle in her eye – live on.
Beloved wife of the late John R.; loving mother of Camille Picchietti (Charles Salowitz), John R. II, and Carlotta (Bill Humiston); dear grandmother of Nathan, Peter and Liz Salowitz, John R. III and Jared Picchietti, and Benjamin and Joshua Humiston; cherished great-grandmother of Leona, Emmett, Genevieve, Liam and Xander Salowitz..
A Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to your local food bank or to Greater Chicago Food Depository (www.chicagosfoodbank.org), P. O. Box 6949, Chicago, IL, 60680 (773.247.3663).
Funeral info: 847.673.6111.
