Elvira M. “Olly” Sutcliffe, 84 years old, a lifelong resident of Lowell, died Monday morning at D’Youville Manor Nursing Home in Lowell. She was the widow of the late Arthur H. Sutcliffe who died in 1972.
Born in Lowell on November 3, 1924, she was a daughter of the late Gabriel and Madeline (Ruffo) Petullo and received her education in the Lowell schools.
For many years, Olly was employed as a seamstress and worked in various dress shops in the Lowell Area. Following her retirement, she spent a great deal of time volunteering throught the Lowell area. She loved to spend time and work with young children. She volunteered at the former St. John’s Hospital in the nursery, aiding the nurses with the newborn babies. Olly also spent many years working in the Foster Grandmother program in the Lowell schools. “Gram” as she was affectionately called by both students and parents, assisted teachers in several schools in Lowell including the Shaughnessy and the Charter school. Two years ago, Olly was one of the first to move into Bruyere Gardens, a senior residence on the grounds of D’Youville Manor in Lowell. While living there she enjoyed organizing many activities with her fellow residents. One of her biggest joys was organizing and caring for the inhouse library. Olly also volunteered at the D’Youville Manor Nursing Home leading weekly bingo games for the residence there and spending time reading to and visiting with many of the patients in the Nursing Home.
Mrs. Sutcliffe was a former member of the former St. Peter’s Parish and their Blessed Virgin Sodality. She was an avid Red Sox and Bruins fan and enjoyed bowling, bingo, playing cards, reading and her monthly trips to Foxwoods.
Olly is survived by a son and daughter in law, Arthur D. and his wife Debbie Sutcliffe of Chelmsford; a daughter, Judy B. Sutcliffe of Odenton, MD; a granddaughter, Beth and her husband Chuck Carter of Tilton, N.H.; a great grandson, Isaac Carter; a sister, Louise Schiripo of Dracut; a brother, Anthony G. and his wife Lucy Petullo of Lowell and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews.
She was also the sister of the late Angelo, Michael, Joseph, Nicholas and Rita Petullo.
SUTCLIFFE- Relatives and friends may call on Thursday, April 2, from 4 until 8 pm at the MAHONEY FUNERAL HOME, 187 NESMITH ST.(Rte.38). Her Funeral Mass will be held Friday, April 3 at 11 am at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH. Burial in St. Patrick Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to D’Youville Foundation for Bruyere Gardens, 981 Varnum Avenue, Lowell, MA. 01854. Arrangements are by the MAHONEY FUNERAL HOME, LOWELL.
www.mahoneyfuneralhome.com