Services on Sept. 30 for for Eleanor Brennan, 1924-2023

There will be visiting hours on Friday, Sept. 29 and a funeral on Saturday, Sept. 30 for Eleanor Ann Brennan, 99, who passed away on September 20 at her home in Lincoln surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved wife of the late William Lawrence Brennan, who died in 2015.

Ellie, as she was known, was born in Waltham on July 6, 1924. She was the daughter of the late Antonetta (Gonnelli) and Nunzio Bicchieri. She was one of 14 children born into an Italian-American family. Ellie grew up on a large farm in Waltham where she and her siblings lived an idyllic life.

 

Eleanor met the love of her life, Bill, at the Bancroft – Walker shoe company in Waltham in 1950. Their love for one another culminated in their marriage on August 19, 1956. Their children Billy and LeeAnn were their pride and joy.

 

Ellie loved all people, which is evidenced by her life long volunteerism. She was a member of St. Joseph Church in Lincoln since 1956. She taught CCD in the 1960s and later was a member of St. Joseph’s Guild, the altar guild and was a lector for many years.

 

She also organized social outreach programs in her community and delivered food and clothing to homeless shelters, substance abuse centers, and to the sick and those in need. Ellie was a member of the Emerson Hospital Auxiliary from the 1960s into the 1980s. She was also a member of the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee for many years as well as being co-chairperson during the early 1970s.

 

Ellie’s gorgeous gardens were an extremely important part of her life. Anytime during the day and oftentimes into the early hours of the evening, Ellie could be found in her yard planting, digging, landscaping, moving rocks, building ponds and anything else she could do to beautify her yard.

 

Ellie loved everyone and invited all to her home to enjoy her beautiful gardens and gourmet dinners. She and Bill loved to entertain, hosting many dinner parties as well as holiday gatherings at their home.

 

The true light of Ellie’s life, though, was her grandson, William. They were like two peas in a pod. They would take trips to Codman Farm, go shopping and decorate the house for the holidays together, take walks together, and just sit around the house talking with one another.

 

Eleanor was an amazing wife, the best mother any two children could ask for, an adoring grandmother, and an all-around wonderful human being. She will be missed by all who knew her.

 

She was the devoted mother to William Brennan, Jr. of Lincoln, LeeAnn Brennan Moalli and her husband Robert Moalli Jr. of Bolton, and loving and doting grandmother to William Robert Moalli of Bolton. Eleanor is also survived by her sisters, Ann Schandelmayer of Plantation, Fla., Josephine Carlson of Needham, Elsie Beausoleil and her husband Paul of Marlborough, Louise Ferla of Boonton, N.J., and brother Ralph Bicchieri and his wife Carol of South Yarmouth, as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

 

Family and friends will gather for visiting hours on Friday, Sept. 29 from 5–7 p.m. at Dee Funeral Home (27 Bedford St., Concord). Her funeral will be held on Saturday, Sept. 30 at 9 a.m. from the Dee Funeral Home, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church in Lincoln. Burial will follow at Lincoln Cemetery. Contributions in her memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.