With great sadness we announce the passing of Eleanor Marie Ivers, 100, on December 19, 2023. Eleanor passed peacefully surrounded by her children and grandchildren who were fortunate not only to share the last weeks of her life, but so many years of their childhood. Eleanor was born in East Boston, MA on May 4, 1923 to Helen (Ivers), the church organist, and John Vignoli, a master carpenter and musician who emigrated to Boston from Genoa, Italy. Music was a very essential part of Eleanor's family life and from a very young age she played classical piano. Years of daily practice eventually evolved into a lifelong passion for the piano.

In her 20s with typical dauntless spirit, Eleanor moved to New York City where she became a secretary in Rockefeller Center and thoroughly enjoyed everything the city had to offer. Eleanor was a natural teacher. Everything she learned she wanted to share. Some of her most lasting lessons emphasized the importance of daily exercise and a healthy diet (always Mediterranean). Although as a child she never swam or played tennis, when she was in her 30s she decided to learn. With characteristic determination she succeeded however it was not until she was in her 40s that she began to love the sports. That love lasted a lifetime! She always referred to herself as a "dedicated but not really great tennis player" and a "disciplined but slow lap swimmer".

Throughout her life Eleanor walked everyday and everywhere! She pushed baby carriages all through Central Park, and up and down the Charles River, along every beach in Rockport, and then for many more years all through Old Town and around the Neck. She always greeted everyone with a big hello. Not surprisingly Eleanor enjoyed a beautiful half hour walk through her neighborhood the day before she became ill. She taught all of us to enjoy walking but mostly to always keep walking.

Eleanor was a lifelong learner. One of her most meaningful goals was to graduate from college. In her 50s she decided to embark upon a college education and enrolled in an adult program at Goddard College, VT. It was only with infinite perseverance that Eleanor realized her heartfelt goal and proudly graduated from Salem State College with a Bachelor's degree in education. She took great pride in teaching at private and parochial schools in Gloucester. The highlight of her teaching days was always when she succeeded in teaching a child to read! Throughout her life Eleanor remained an avid reader and became a well-recognized figure at the Abbot Public Library. In her last year's even with declining eyesight Eleanor continued to read for two hours at a time.

Eleanor always claimed that her most important accomplishments in life were her two children and four grandchildren! This love and appreciation of children extended to all of her great-grandchildren as well. She always recognized each child's accomplishment, large or small. Eleanor's greatest enjoyment was sitting poolside at the Corinthian and loudly applauding every single goofy dive off the board! Each of her children, grandchildren and "greats" will always share an enduring bond with Eleanor.

At her 100th birthday, Eleanor was asked to offer some advice to young people today. She immediately replied, "Work hard but have fun…and treat your children like gifts, because they are!" Eleanor will be sorely missed, but the lessons she taught us will live on. Her indomitable spirit, determination, and love of life are deeply ingrained in each of us. She taught us how to live and even in her last days, how to pass.

Eleanor was predeceased by her husband, Austin E. Brady, and brother, Paul Vignoli. She will be especially missed by her children, Kathy Bednar (John) and Keith Ivers of Marblehead. Eleanor sends her blessings to all her grandchildren: Chris (Jen) Bednar of Salem, Katy (Bert) Reynolds, Cara (Craig) Drummond, and Julie Bednar, all of Marblehead, and to each of her amazing great grandchildren: Annie, Jack, Tyler, Wiley, William, Max, Gabby, Ellie, Liam, and Brady.

A private funeral mass was celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church, Swampscott, MA. Donations in her memory may be made to Boston Children's Hospital Trust 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215 or to Friends of Abbot Public Library friendsofabbotlibrary@gmail.com. For more information or online guestbook, please visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497