Eleanor R. (Mullen) Raleigh, age 98, passed away on Apr 3, 2020 in Plymouth, MA. She was born in Springfield on May 17, 1921 to the late Dr. Walter and Mary (Birmingham) Mullen. Eleanor was a woman ahead of her time… a pioneer on many fronts and her creativity and independent spirit were an inspiration to many. She had a special ability to connect with many generations and her vivacious personality could light up a room. She truly was the life of every party “With her zest for life and quick Irish wit”. She loved to write and was an accomplished playwright and award winning author. And in 1967 she was the first woman ever to be “on the field” interviewing Red Sox players while covering the World Series for our hometown newspaper. She contributed generously of her time and was always willing to help one in need including serving as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. She was a talented bridge player and enjoyed the camaraderie of golf. Eleanor left many special footprints and wonderful memories to cherish. Eleanor and Bill raised their family in Springfield and Longmeadow and eventually settled in Cape Cod and Naples, Florida after retirement. She was predeceased by her first husband Lt Arthur Chatfield who passed away in WWII; her second husband of 53 years William (Bill) Raleigh and two daughters, Maureen Busacca and Florence (Billie) Raleigh. Eleanor leaves one son, William “Tom” Raleigh of Hyde Park, MA; four daughters, Susan Anderson of Naples, Fl, Pam Mitchell and her husband Tom of Plymouth, MA, Lori Raleigh and her husband John McMorrow of Naples, Fl and Nancy Petras and her husband Joseph of Plymouth, MA, also eight grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and also her dear friends at Providence Place which provided her with so much love and laughter. A special thanks to the Newfield House in Plymouth, and their wonderful staff and the Stewart family for providing exceptional care to Eleanor these last few years. All services are private for the family. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
The Republican – Springfield, MA -12 Apr 2020