Eleanor E. Villella
February 22, 1935 - December 6, 2025
"May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back May the sunshine warm your face, the rain fall soft upon your fields.."
Obituary of Eleanor E. Villella
Eleanor E. Villella passed away in the care of her family and Niagara Hospice on December 6, 2025. Eleanor was born on February 22, 1935 in Lockport, New York. She was the daughter of the late Catherine and Francis Shaw, Sr. and the wife of the late Anthony J. Villella.
In her youth, Eleanor was educated at St. Joseph's Academy and worked at the telephone company. Eleanor and Anthony were married on October 23, 1954 in Lockport, where they also raised their six daughters.
She served as Chief Matron at the Niagara County Sheriff's Department from 1971- 1985. All her life she was completely devoted to her family and her faith, and she did not waiver from what was important in her life. She was a wise, peaceful, gracious, and forgiving woman who accepted all with open arms. She had a gift of making everyone feel safe and loved. She had "smiling, Irish eyes".
She was pre-deceased by her husband Anthony and her brothers Joseph Shaw, Francis (Kathleen) Shaw, Chuck (Nan) Shaw, Jim (Marge) Shaw, John "Shorty" (Margaret) Shaw as well as her brother-in laws Joseph Villella, Paul Villella, and Bill (Linda) Villella.
Eleanor is survived by her six daughters, Rita Quirk, Judy (Gene) Newman, Jeanne (Augie) Sansone, Lynn (Doug) Menzel, Karen Villella, Nancy (Scott) Awender; as well as twenty grandchildren and their spouses; and nine great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Tom (Alice) Shaw, sisters-in-law Carol (Mike) Cassenti and Mary Villella. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Niagara Hospice 4675 Sunset Dr., Lockport NY 14094 in memory of Eleanor Villella, would be appreciated by the family.
Jeanne, So sorry to read this. I hope your good memories help you through this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing—Ellie was special and so much fun to be around. She had a great sense of humor and was always smiling. She will be greatly missed.Rest in peace Ellie ❤️
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to each of you at this time. Maureen & I fondly recall many memories shared over the years with your entire family. We pray God’s comfort – may His peace be yours.
– Wayne & Maureen Jagow
My deepest condolences to the family of Ellie . When Tony hired me in 71 Mrs Villella welcomed me . She was outgoing with her kindness ,smile and friendly greetings. She was a strong supporter of his dreams of making a real department respected throughout the state. But what came first was the girls ,family and grandchildren. Truly a remarkable person
Thoughts & prayers to the family. Ellie was a great lady & had lots of laughs with her. She will be missed by all.
Kay & Dick
So sorry to learn of you Mom’s passing. She was a really wonderful woman and I know she will be missed. Pat and Anne Farrell
Sorry to hear about Mrs Villella’s passing.Thoughts and prayers sent to her family.
Elli was my weekly golf buddy. We laughed and enjoyed our friendship. Keep your beautiful memories close. She was loved and liked by all who knew her. Enclosed are my prayers to her family. 🙏🏻 🥰 Becky Urbano Grady
My deepest condolences to the family, Eleanor was such a wonderful woman, there’s so many memories in my life of her, I’m so sorry❤️
You are all in my thoughts and prayers, your mum was a lovely lady, I hope during this difficult time you find comfort in the memories you all shared, strength in the love of those around you and solace in the knowledge that your loved one will forever live in your hearts .
Barbara & Evelyn (UK)
Jeanne-
Thinking of you and your family, may the memories of your beautiful Mom bring you comfort.
Lorraine and John Tomaino
OMG I’m so sorry to hear of Ellie’s passing we both were married to two of the greatest men in Lockport. I’m so happy that I just got to see her in Wagners a few weeks ago. 💔💔🙏🙏