Eleanor Tambornini

Eleanor Sala Tambornini, 92, formerly of Willimantic, passed peacefully on July 31, 2019 at Apple Rehab Colchester, where she resided. She was the daughter of Carl and Mary Sala.
Ellie graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy and St. Joseph University, where she grew up in West Hartford. She lived in Columbia and Willimantic and taught school for many years in Coventry, Columbia, and Andover. After the death of her husband, Pete, in 1971, she took over and ran the family liquor business in Willimantic with her son Peter, before moving to Florida from Windham.
Ellie loved playing golf with her friends, and remained a lifelong fan of the New York Yankees and UConn Huskies. She loved being able to travel several times to Hawaii, and visit her youngest grandson there. She handled the ups and downs life presented her with strength and grace, putting family needs ahead of her own.
She spent her last several years at Apple Rehab and made many friends there. There she remained feisty to the end. Her family would like to thank the staff there for their excellent care of her, always with a smile.
She was predeceased by her husband, Peter, sister, Rachel, and youngest son, Carl. Eleanor is survived by her son, Peter, of Concord, NH, and daughter, Susan Bethune and her son-in-law, Ladd Bethune of Lebanon, CT, as well as her two grandsons, Ian Bethune of Lebanon and Keith Bethune of Honolulu. Eleanor also leaves behind her aunt, Gloria Bakston, and cousins Patricia Tishler, Leslie Dinardo, Jo Burns, Deborah Ehrhardt, and Henrietta Kepka.
Friends and family are welcome to say goodbye to this wonderful lady at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St., Willimantic on Sunday, August 4, 2019 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please remember Ellie by making a donation to www.musicandmemory.org to put music back into the lives of those suffering the effects of memory loss. To sign the online guestbook please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com

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