Eleanora Maria Crosby, a generous, warm and comforting woman whose proudest accomplishment was becoming a grandmother, died Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 at The Connecticut Hospice in Branford.
She was 73.
Born Feb. 24, 1945 in Staten Island, N.Y., she was daughter of Dominick and Eleanor Pizzuto.
She is survived by her husband John Crosby of Trumbull, daughter Courtney Crosby Rafferty of Trumbull (Bob), son Chandler Crosby of New Haven, sisters Maria Roesler (Arthur) and Victoria Steinert (Walter), both of Green Pond, N.J., Patricia Geisler of Staten Island, brother Nick Pizzuto of Saint Augustine, Fla. (Connie) and granddaughters Ella and Emery Rafferty. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother James Gordon and brother-in-law Charlie Geisler.
Eleanora grew up attending Catholic Schools in Staten Island and her great loves were her family and the Catholic Church. Famous for her chocolate chip cookies and good advice, she fed everyone who walked through her door.
A former president and member of the ambulance rescue squad in Green Pond, she worked for more than 20 years as office manager at Progressive Capital Management in Darien.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9 at St. Theresa Church in Trumbull. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the American Cancer Society. A memorial service will be held in the spring in Green Pond, N.J., details to follow.
I knew Eleanora as a client; I always enjoyed talking with her and meeting with her when she visited us in Tampa. I remember thinking how smart she was and also how focused; Eleanora was “tough”, she reminded me of the traders I had worked with in New York. I missed working with her when I changed roles at my company; but she always remembered to send me a happy birthday email. I will miss her
I love my Aunt Eleanor and will miss her so much. She is a wonderful woman with a heart of gold. She was warm and caring. I will miss her smiling eyes and face, and her laugh. I always looked forward to seeing her. She always gave me great cooking advice and recipes. She loved everyone was always accepting and never judged anyone. She was one of the best. I know she is with my father in heaven looking down on us. Love you.
Courtney & Family,
I am deeply sorry for your loss of your mom she was such a pleasure knowing her full grace and dignity thank you for sharing her pitas chips and choc.chip cookies 🍪, and her advices to the world.i will truly miss her Mama Crosby!
Words can express how much I’m going to miss her praying for the family
Comfort & strength at this time cherrish the sweet memories!
Chandler, Courtney
As you know I met your Mom as client and we ended up becoming friends outside of work. She was someone I deeply respected and loved. I am truly going to miss her. My prayers are with you and the family. If there is anything I can do, please do not hesitate to contact me.
To my sister Eleanora, You were called so unexpectedly to be with Jesus but you accepted His will and did it your way in your own time and saying goodbye with love and kisses to all your family…We showed you how much we loved you up to the end and you were ready and anxious to see Mommy and Daddy. The Time Had Come.
Now you are in Heaven watching over us and we will be thinking of you every day with L0VE until We Will Be Together Again.
John, Courtney & Chandler ~
I am so deaply saddened. God has called the kindest, most caring and loving friend I have ever had the privilege to know. Her memory will remain deeply imbedded in my heart for as long as it beats. All the wonderful times spent as her neighbor & friend will very much be treasured.
May God give you all the strength & courage needed to get through such a tremendously painful loss. 🙏🏻
With love and a vey heavy heart,
Maureen Riley~Feinberg
I was so sad to learn of Eleanor’s passing. She was like a sister to me and a good friend when a friend was needed.. love to visit with her and break bread. A wonderful woman.
I was deeply appreciative to be able to get to know Eleanora. She was a kind and thoughtful person, very generous with her time. She always greeted me with a warm hug and hospitality. I will greatly miss her and am so sorry to hear of her passing.
She was truly a ONE OF A KIND.
Courtney…First of all it is so nice you let me know of your Mother’s Passing. We had the Pleasure of Meeting Your Mother.I also Loved Her . OUR Condolences to You and Family..Youre in our Thoughts and Prayers
Lots of Love to you. Mamacita
Dear Courtney—I spoke to your Mom for years and years at Progressive, and we became good friends. She was enthusiastic and supportive and fun — my whole desk enjoyed speaking with Eleanora — we were happy she was retiring and able to dedicate quality time with biggest 2 joys of her life–Emma and Emery— she would proudly email me gorgeous pics of them and also the dog! I had a few health mishaps and she would always ask how I was doing, telling me take care of #1—your mom will always be in my heart— she was solid–in her kindness and her caring and had true happiness being with her family. I will miss her and I pray for strength for you and your family.