Lyanna “Lee” (Santucci) Pelles 95, January 2, 2021, of Wellesley and Chatham. She was born in Asheville, NC and spent most of her adult life in Wellesley, MA where she and her husband, Joseph S. Pelles, Jr. raised their daughter Deborah “Debbie” and son Steven. A devoted mother who nurtured her children’s interests and relished in the joy of seeing their enthusiasm and talents come to rise. Lyanna was very talented and was a concert pianist growing up and continued the love of music her whole life. In her home, she had the piano she grew up with as well as an organ which she played with joy and ease. Her second love were flowers – she was exceptional at flower arranging and shared her talents with many friends. Lyanna’s gardens at her home were her second pride and joy besides her children and her Catholic faith. Working in her gardens where she would talk to the flowers and shrubs, brought her so much joy and they were incredibly beautiful! She also was a real professional. After she was married, she and Joe moved to Washington, DC where she worked on Capital Hill for the NC Congressman while Joe attended Georgetown Law School and where her son Steve was born. They moved to Wellesley in 1955 where they remained until each of their passing. Lyanna was very active at St. Paul Church and was also an active member of The House and Garden Club of Wellesley, where she as president from 1970-1972. Lyanna was a superb legal secretary and worked at the law prestigious law firm of Choate, Hall and Stewart in Boston. Lyanna worked in the legal world until age 77. Lyanna is survived by her daughter Debbie of Needham and son Steven Pelles, III of Woburn and his wife, Debra.
Funeral from the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St. Wellesley on Friday, January 8, at 10am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Paul Church, Wellesley at 11am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Visiting hours on Thursday, January 7, from 4-7pm in the funeral home. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellesley.