Elinor Louise (Cronin) Ricci

Elinor Louise (Cronin) Ricci, 93, of Waterville, ME (Formerly of Reading, MA) passed away peacefully on June 18, 2019 after a brief stay in hospice surrounded by family. Elinor was born October 2, 1925 to Esther (Bossi) and John Cronin in Boston, MA. She was predeceased by her loving spouse, Albert M. Ricci whom she was married for 69 years. They raised their six children first in Westwood, MA and then settled in Reading, MA.

Elinor is best remembered for her creative side. For many years she taught ceramics, often entering her own creations and those of students in shows as well as judging for the New England Ceramic League.  She received many recognitions for her fine art and was a beloved teacher. She possessed a talent for gardening and a passion for helping others. While her children were young, she enjoyed teaching them to skate and fish, and was very active in her church and PTA. Elinor was a very accepting person, opening her home to METCO students from the city of Boston to provide them a strong sense of family and education. She will be remembered most by her family for her wit, humor and sassy personality.

In November 2018, Elinor was predeceased by her son John, of Reading, MA and Dracut, MA.  She leaves behind, Stephen and his wife Marti of San Antonio, Tx; Ronald and his wife Lou Ann of Titusville, FL; Barbara (Ricci) Gourley and her husband William of Canaan, ME; Michael and his wife Kate of Intervale, NH and Carolyn (Ricci) Raitt of Nashua, NH.  She is loved and will be missed by her 8 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A combined memorial for Elinor and her son, John, will be held on July 11th between 7pm– 9pm at the Cota Funeral Home 335 Park Street North Reading MA 01864. A private burial for immediate family will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Elinor may be made to the hospice care she received through: Amedisys Foundation 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.

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