Leocadia “Eleanor” Saia

Eleanor passed from this life Nov. 18 peacefully with her family by her side.
She had the ability to talk and laugh with just about anyone. With her outgoing personality and lighthearted sense of humor, Eleanor made friends easily. Family was always her first priority: Eleanor imparted her morals and strength onto her son and granddaughter. If necessary she could track down a Bingo game just about any night of the week. Her vacations were mostly spent in Florida and Wildwood; Eleanor loved to walk the boards. Her hands were seldom idle: Eleanor worked at the Riverside Dress Factory, RCA, Pantry Pride and later at the Riverside High School Cafeteria. She could cook anything from Pigs in a Blanket to Spaghetti and meatballs.

A young Eleanor Rykowski met a handsome guy at a Riverside dance. She and the late Benjamin were blessed with a son, Benjamin David; Eleanor was Baci to Charlene, Scherrie, and Ronnie and is survived by many loving nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her parents, Stephan and Victoria Rykowski and her siblings, Stella, Virginia, Walter, Mary, Laura, Helen, Bertha, Sophie and Joseph.

Come celebrate 90 great years Monday 6-8 p.m. and Tuesday 9-10 a.m. at Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside. Mass of Christian Burial Tuesday 10:30 a.m. at Jesus the Good Shepherd, St. Peter’s Church, Riverside. Interment St. Peter’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations to the American Cancer Society (cancer.org) will be appreciated.