Elena Jean Curelli, 88, Was Devoted Homemaker

Elena Jean Curelli of Mattapan, formerly of Beverly and Beverly Hills, Fla., died August 29 in Florida. She was 88.

Elena was the beloved wife of Ernest Curelli for 56 years. She was born in Boston on Feb. 9, 1918, to the late Albert and Carmella Cannava Sullo.

She was graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music and found joy in playing the piano. Soon her independent spirit led her to Los Angeles, Calif, where she worked as an actor's representative in the movie industry. She also volunteered with the USO entertainment service. Any free time was spent at horse ranches in the area at that time.

Her career brought her back to Boston, where she met and married Ernest. Together they devoted their lives to their family and caring for each other, living in Beverly until 1988. Many treasured road trips are remembered by her children. Her liberal ideals stressed to her children the importance of service to the community. She was proud to say that she never willingly voted other than Democrat. A special green thumb helped her produce the sweetest backyard red peppers and tomatoes.

Elena and Ernie enjoyed traveling throughout this country and Europe. Elena had a special fondness for Native American art. In 1988 they retired to a new home in Beverly Hills, Fla. She especially loved the climate that allowed her to maintain a tropical landscape. There she was a communicant of Our Lady of Grace Church and was a member of the SHARE Club of Citrus Memorial Hospital.

Elena left this life peacefully with her husband beside her while in the Hospice House of Citrus County. Though recently she was able to speak only briefly, her final words will be long remembered. "I love you dearly," she said. This was then echoed by a well heard kiss.

Elena will be missed by her son, John Curelli, and his wife, Jane, of the Vineyard; her son, Tom Curelli of Two Rivers, Wis.; and her grandchildren, Benjamin Curelli of Boston, Det. Nicholas Curelli of the Vineyard, Stephen Curelli of Houghton, Mich., and Diane Curelli of Trego, Wis. She also leaves a brother, Achi Sullo of Medford, Gerry Sullo of Acton and Jo Ann Cataldo of Westwood. She was predeceased by a sister, Mildred Palowski of Wellesley, and a brother, Santo Sullo of Canton.

Visitation will be Tuesday, Sept. 5, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Chapman, Cole & Gleason Funeral Home in Milton. A funeral Mass will follow in St. Angela's Church in Boston at 12:30 p.m. Interment will be at the Forest Hills Cemetery in Boston.

In lieu of flowers, it is the wish of Elena's family that donations be sent to Hospice House, 3350 W. Audubon Park Path, Lecanto, FL 34461.