Eleanor (Cafferty) Appleyard, 83, passed away peacefully at home after a full life and recent illness.
A resident of Swampscott, Marblehead and Popponesset Beach, Mashpee, Eleanor brought warm love, good cheer and song into a room.
Eleanor graduated from Girls Catholic High School in Malden in 1957 and Salem State University in 1961. Eleanor and husband Bill met in high school, married in 1963 and raised three children in Swampscott.
Eleanor had a passion for helping others: She worked for several years as an educator and social worker, then devoted herself to family, friends and community.
Always ready for an adventure, Eleanor operated a toy-and-kite store for five years, traveled extensively and enjoyed meeting new friends along her journey.
Eleanor discovered a passion for creating art in midlife: She earned a master-of-art degree from Lesley University, an advanced certification from New England Art Therapy Institute and studied ceramics and printmaking at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.
As an avid artist in her later years, Eleanor maintained an art studio locally and participated in the Marblehead Festival of Arts and other local shows, winning several “Best in Show” awards through the 2010s.
Eleanor shared her creativity and sense of adventure with grandchildren through crafts and reading. Eleanor’s Catholic faith was a foundation in her life; she was a longtime member of Star of the Sea Parish in Marblehead and the LaSalette Faith Community in Topsfield.
A devoted wife, mother and grandmother, Eleanor leaves behind her husband, Bill; her children, Maureen (and husband Jim) of Essex, Jennifer (and husband Kelvin) of Melrose, and Bill (and wife Lauren) of Seattle; grandchildren Margaret, Doron, Samuel, William and Kathleen; and several nieces and nephews.
Eleanor was predeceased by her parents, Anthony and Ellen Cafferty of Somerville; her brothers, Anthony J. Jr. and Kevin; and her sister, Eileen Theilman.
Her funeral from Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St., Marblehead, will be held on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave, Marblehead. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.
Visiting hours were held Wednesday, Feb. 15 in the funeral home. Interment will be private at a later date.Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Appleyard family may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com.
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