Ellie (Desimone) Opalinski

Elvira Mary DeSimone Opalinski

Elvira Mary DeSimone Opalinski of Franconia NH, and Deerfield Beach Florida, died unexpectedly with both her son and daughter by her side in Deerfield Beach Florida. Affectionately known as Ellie by friends and Vira by her brothers and cousins. Her favorite people called her Ma or Gram and her husband called her Bun. She was born in Brooklyn, NY, in 1936 to Frank DeSimone and Mary Proto DeSimone. She appreciatively explained that she was raised by many aunts, uncles and her grandparents in an extended Italian family in Brooklyn, brought up to believe that family is held in high regard, “Ma Familia.” She attended High School in Rye NY and graduated from New York City Community College, and later in life, Plymouth State College with degrees in Phlebotomy and Chemistry.

She worked as a Medical Technologist in New York City, Littleton Hospital and Norwalk Connecticut. She married her husband, John “Opy” Opalinski, in 1959 in New York City and lived in Port Chester New York and Norwalk Connecticut where they raised their three children. In 1973, they moved to Franconia NH to be closer to her parents and purchased the Dutch Treat Restaurant that they owned and operated for over 30 years.

After putting their three children through college, they purchased a winter residence at the Penthouse North in Deerfield Beach Florida. She enjoyed visiting the beach every day, swimming in the ocean and the pool, spending time with family and friends, playing cards,
watching the boats in the intercoastal waterway and just being in the sun. She also looked forward to coming home to Franconia, NH, in May, spending time with her children, grandchildren and long time friends. She volunteered at the Littleton Hospital, Franconia Heritage Museum and was an active member in her church, St. Rose of Lima and Our Lady of the Snows. She taught religious instruction classes and was the vice president of
local chapter of the Catholic Daughters. She was a lifelong learner, taking classes and going on assistive retreats to Honduras with members of her parish as well as the Catholic Daughters. She was active in her faith and in the community. She worked for the Chamber of Commerce in
Franconia and could be found at the information booth directing people to their destination. She was predeceased by her husband, John, in 2005.

She is survived by four brothers and one brother in law, Frank DeSimone and his spouse Judy of Indiana, Philip and his spouse Sara of Lexington, Kentucky, Joe and his spouse Carol from Chicago, Illinois and Robert and his spouse, Bill of Santa Rosa,California, and a brother in law, Joseph Opalinski of Norwalk, CT. She is survived by her three children and their spouses Mary Jo Opalinski her spouse Sean Girard, John Opalinski and his spouse Jennifer and Nancy Peterson and her spouse Joe of of Franconia and Sugar Hill, NH. She is also survived by her seven grandchildren and one great grandchild, Kyle Opalinski and his daughter Gracen of Reno, Nevada, John Girard of Littleton, NH, Taylor Girard of Lyndonville, VT, Mora and Jake Peterson of Sugar Hill, NH and Macie and Madison Opalinski of Franconia. NH. She leaves numerous cousins, nieces nephews and friends who will miss her no nonsense candid expressions. She is also survived by her dog, Blanche, who will dearly miss her daily walks with her mom through the streets of Franconia.

Calling hours will be at the Ross Funeral Home in Littleton NH on June 14th from 5 to 8PM. Catholic Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Snows Catholic Church, Franconia, NH on June 15th at 10:00 with Father Mark Dollard presiding followed by a Christian Burial at the Elmwood Cemetery in Franconia, NH.

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