Eleanor M. (Garnesky) Zambo

Eleanor May (Garnesky) Zambo, 87, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2021. Eleanor lived her life fully with an incredible love and devotion for her family.

Eleanor was born in Rockville, CT on February 19, 1933 to John and Elizabeth Garnesky.  She was the oldest in her family of four girls and adored her three younger sisters, Betty, Joyce, and Sharon.  Eleanor married Joseph Zambo in May of 1953 and they settled in Ashford, CT.   Eleanor was a stay-at-home mom for her four children, Deborah, Michael, Terry, and Tom, in a role that she truly embraced and loved.  She was teacher, playmate, care giver and most of all, a truly giving mother to her children. 

When her youngest child entered Highschool, she began working as a van driver for special needs children.  This initial experience of working with children led her to become an assistant teacher in a preschool program.  She found so much satisfaction working with children that she stayed in this job until her retirement. 

Eleanor enjoyed being outdoors and the change of seasons in New England.   Vacationing in the summer to the coast of Maine and weekend getaways to Vermont or New Hampshire were among her favorites.  In her younger years, Eleanor enjoyed ice skating with her children and hiking in the woods behind her house.  Eleanor spent weekends devoted to whole family activities:   visiting her sisters, attending Sunday Mass, and hosting a Sunday dinner.  Eleanor loved celebrating holidays with her family and enjoyed hosting big family gatherings at her house.  Eleanor enjoyed swimming, golfing, bowling, and watching UConn basketball both in person and on TV. She loved flowers and gardening.  She was a talented crafter and always in the middle of a project, whether it be sewing, upholstery, crocheting, knitting, or embroidery. She was also an avid reader, with a book on her nightstand, at all times.

Eleanor’s greatest love was in being a grandmother.  She cherished each of her six grandchildren and loved nothing more than spending time with them.  The walls of her house were covered with the many treasured photos of her grandchildren:  Dylan, Kelly, Samantha, Zachary, Michael and Daniel.  There is no doubt that their loving memories of “Grandma” will stay in their hearts forever.  She will be deeply missed by her entire family.

Eleanor is survived by: four children, Deborah Zambo of Sacramento, CA; Michael Zambo (Karen) of Ashford, CT; Theresa Glenn (Dale) of Old Lyme, CT and Thomas Zambo (Deborah) of Chaplin, CT; a sister, Joyce Johnston of Veron, CT; five grandchildren, Dylan Zambo of Sacramento, CA; Kelly Zambo of Ashford, CT; Samantha Hoblin of Old Lyme, CT; Zachary Hoblin of Old Lyme, CT; Michael Zambo Jr of Ashford, CT and Daniel Hoblin of Old Lyme CT;

two step grandchildren, Lindsay Lilly (Richard) of Pasadena, MD and Shannon Glenn of Groton, CT; a step great grandchild, Connor Lilly of Pasadena, MD.

She was predeceased by her loving husband Joseph Zambo, two sisters, Sharon Garnesky (Bloniarz) and Betty Garnesky (Lee).

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to:  The Dementia Society of America – PO Box 600 - Doylestown, PA 18901     web link: https://www.dementiasociety.org/. 

There are no calling hours.  A private Funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, February 9, 2021 at St. Philip Apostle Church, 64 Pompey Hollow Rd., Ashford, CT, burial followed at St. Philip Cemetery, Ashford. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Eleanor M. (Garnesky) Zambo, please visit our floral store.