Eleanor Pacitti

Eleanor Pacitti, 91, our beloved mother, was called home to the Lord on March 13, 2023, at St. Martha’s Manor in Downingtown, PA. Eleanor is survived by her sons Donald (Maria), Gary, David (Kelly), and loving grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Her husband, Donald, of 67 years predeceased her in 2019.

Mom was a loving mother, a devoted wife, and a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Born to Abel and Mary Diteodoro on October 23, 1931, she grew up in her beloved South Philly, close to family and friends, including her neighbor, Mario Lanza, whose music she would love throughout her life. She loved the close community she found there and eventually moved back for a time in her later years to once again sit out on the stoop, chat with friends and neighbors, and live life…. South Philly Style.

Mom was ahead of her time. In an era when many women were not, she was trained in business and went on to make important contributions to the corporate world, including working as a trusted assistant to a retired federal judge. She was integral in helping him with his obligations as a leader of the local chapter of the Federal Bar Association. She was the first woman in the family to learn how to drive and one of the few to seek paid work outside of the home. Beautiful herself, she had an eye for beauty and was known for her talent and interest in art, fashion, interior design, and real estate. Her love of beauty and entrepreneurial spirit stayed with her throughout her life. During her time at St. Martha’s, with the assistance of her son Don and his wife Maria, she kept a beautiful home surrounded by the stunning art and home décor she loved and always obtained at a great (thrifty) price. Even at an advanced age, she would talk wistfully about her career and desire to get back to work.

Mom had a powerful enduring love for her family, especially Don and her boys. All through our growing up years, after lights out, Mom’s voice would ring out on the second floor of our small twin home, “goodnight boys, I love you.” We would each reply, “goodnight Mom, I love you.” Her bedtime ritual bore a great lesson … a deep reality…. that we were loved.

Thank you mom for everything, we will see you on the other side but for now…. “Goodnight Mom, we love you.”

Relatives and Friends are inviting to her visitation Friday, March 24^th 9:45 AM – 10:45 AM followed by her Funeral Mass 11:00 AM ALL AT CHURCH St. Basil the Great Parish 2330 Kimberton Rd, Phoenixville, PA 19460. Interment Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery.

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