Eleanor White Gramesty age 93 of Stratford, CT, passed into eternal life on Monday September 5, 2016 following a brief illness. Born in Boston Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Joseph White and Oriole Rollinson White Kugler. She was raised in Bridgeport, CT, where she met her childhood sweetheart and beloved husband Louis Gramesty. The two were married for 62 years until his passing in 2008. Eleanor lived a colorful and vibrant life. During WWII she rolled up her sleeves as a “Rosie the Riveter,” working on the wings of F4U Corsair aircrafts for Chance Vought (Vought-Sikorsky). Later, she spent many years as the bookkeeper for Hoffman Fuel in Bridgeport, CT. The 1960’s and 1970’s brought about Eleanor’s entrepreneurial spirit, as she and Louis purchased the Stay Awhile Tavern and Joan’s Luncheonette in Bridgeport. Louis manned the Tavern while Eleanor took charge of the Luncheonette, leading to the development of her own side catering business. No one could bake bread like Eleanor. In her spare time, Eleanor could be found at the local bowling alley, winning her final championship with the Oronoque Bowling League at the youthful age of 88. Together Eleanor and Louis were known by their family and close friends for “taking a ride” which was code for “we’ll be at the casino.” A lifelong member of Saint Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church in Bridgeport she served as past President of the Ladies’ Society.
Eleanor is survived by her son, John Louis Gramesty and his wife Helen of Trumbull, daughter Adele Gramesty Marrash and her husband Richard of Fairfield, grandchildren Michele Gramesty of Fairfield, John Louis Gramesty Jr. and his wife Tracy of Trumbull, Leila Marrash and Mona Marrash of Fairfield, and two great grandchildren, Reilly Gramesty and Delaney Gramesty of Trumbull. She is also remembered by her sisters-in-law Adele Raiano and Frieda Terek, several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Friends are invited to attend the Rite of Burial on Monday September 12, 2016 at 10am in St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, 5458 Park Ave, Bridgeport with Archpriest Romanos Malouf and Arch Deacon Sami Bal officiating followed by interment in Mt. Grove of Easton. Calling hours will take place on Sunday from 4 to 8pm in The Commerce Hill Funeral Home, 4798 Main St. Bridgeport with Trisagion services at 7pm in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Nicholas Church in memory of Eleanor. For online condolences and to light a virtual candle visit us at commercehillfh.com
May Her Memory Be Eternal

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