Eleanor Ruth (Archibald) Somerville, 100, of Knollwood Nursing Center, Worcester, MA, died peacefully on September 3, 2014. Born in Lawrence, MA on July 4, 1914, she was the only child of the late George F. and Marion E. (Herron) Archibald. Eleanor graduated in 1930 from Lawrence High School. She received a B.A. degree in Music from Lowell State Teachers College in 1934, and began her teaching career in Salisbury, MA.
On June 23, 1940, she married Harold M. Somerville at Grace Episcopal Church, Lawrence, a man she grew up knowing and admiring as his family lived next door during her childhood years. The couple moved to Grafton, MA where they owned and operated Lake Ripple Garage until 1968, and they also ran a successful Dairy Freeze business from 1951 to 1961. Both businesses were located on Worcester Street, adjacent to their home on Carroll Road where they resided for 40 years and reared their children. In 1978, they bought property in Bradenton, FL. After Harold’s death in 1981, Eleanor moved to Bradenton and remained there until 2008. She returned to Massachusetts and became a resident of the Briarwood Assisted Living Community in Worcester.
Eleanor was a gifted musician, pianist and teacher, having piano students and her own radio show broadcast from Boston while in her teens. Being an educator at heart, she taught for over 30 years in public schools in Grafton and Worcester at Harlow Street., received a M.A. degree in Education from Worcester State Teacher’s College in 1954, and retired from teaching in 1978. Eleanor was an active member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Worcester from 1948, and she and Harold taught Sunday school for many years. She was also active in the church’s book club, served on various committees, and supported the Men and Boys and St. Cecilia Choirs. She was a member of the Grand Chapter of Massachusetts Order of the Eastern Star, Rachel Chapter No. 61.
Eleanor is survived by her son Mason H. Somerville and wife Ann of Utica, NY, and daughters Maida (Meg) Tucker and husband Allen of Harpswell, ME, and Marion Noble and husband Stephen of Santa Clara, CA. In addition, Eleanor leaves nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The family lovingly remembers Eleanor for her faith, perseverance, hard work, thoughtfulness, and acts of kindness.
Funeral services will be held at 10am on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014 at All Saints Church, 10 Irving St., Worcester, MA, with the Rev. Ron Crocker officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery on Millbury Street, Grafton, MA , where she will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations in Eleanor’s name to All Saints Church Choir fund.
Arrangements are under the guidance of Nordgren Memorial Chapel, 300 Lincoln Street, Worcester.
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