Eleanor A. (Szubelick) Paiva

Eleanor A. (Szubelick) Paiva, 93, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Dec. 30th, two weeks shy of her 94th birthday.  She was born In Westfield to the late Francis and Alice (Buckley) Szubelick.  Eleanor’s childhood home was on Taylor Ave. in Westfield. She maintained lifelong friendships and enjoyed reminiscing about neighbors and good times.  Eleanor attended local schools and was a graduate of Westfield High.  Growing up she spent many vacations & holidays at the home of her maternal grandparents and extended family in Gloucester, MA.  Eleanor’s love of the ocean, the beach and lighthouses was a constant throughout her life.  Eleanor met her husband of 64 years at a dance at Westover AFB in Chicopee.  They married and lived in Hawaii & California before settling back in Westfield.  Eleanor was employed by Strathmore Paper Company for 25 years, retiring at 70 years old.  She was an avid reader and loved to discuss and share a good book, enjoyed many shopping trips, taking wonderful photos of family, hosting holidays and baking.  One of her favorite recipes was a Swedish Tea Ring that was a sought after item at school bake sales for years.  Eleanor also enjoyed vacationing with family & friends at Old Orchard Beach, ME., traveling with George to Las Vegas and Hawaii to visit extended family and friends and especially spending time with her grandchildren. Sadly, Eleanor was predeceased by her beloved husband of 64 years, George J. Paiva in 2012, a son Jerome D. Paiva in 2019 and her brother Paul Szubelick in 1990.  She is survived by her loving sons, George J. Paiva and his wife Joanne of Easthampton, Stephen F. Paiva and partner Susan Thomas, Daniel V. Paiva and devoted daughter Kathleen S. Barker who has been her caretaker for the past 8 years.  Her cherished grandchildren, Craig Paiva, Jeremy Paiva, Sarah Barker-Ochs and Lauren Barker, Heather Paiva Perez, Stephanie Paiva and Casey Paiva, and four great grandchildren.  The family would like to extend a special thank you to staff at Noble Hospital and all VNA service providers for their wonderful compassionate care.  Visiting hours will be held on Monday, January 4, 2021 from 5-7 PM in the Firtion Adams FS, 76 Broad St., Westfield, MA.  A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, meeting directly at St. Mary’s Church, 30 Bartlett St. Westfield at 10:30 AM, burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Southampton Rd. Westfield. www.firtionadams.com  Donations to honor Eleanor’s memory can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, PO Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101-9929 or charity of your choice.

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