Eleanor B. (Spinelli) Galvin

July 9, 1931 ~ July 7, 2022
“The reason we are hospitable is to open our hearts to others in the way that God
has opened His heart to us.”
― Rich Villodas, The Deeply Formed Life: Five Transformative Values to Root Us
in the Way of Jesus
Eleanor “Ellie” B. (Spinelli) Galvin passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Monday, June 20, 2022, with loved ones by her side. Born in 1931 in Youngstown, Ohio, she was a first generation (on her father’s side) American born to hardworking Italian parents. Her family relocated to Geneva, where she graduated from Geneva High School in 1949. Furthering her education, she later received her Certification in Medical Coding from Lakeland Community College.
It was in Geneva while working in a pharmacy making cherry cokes that Ellie met her true love, the late Thomas A. (Tom) Galvin – forging a bond that would never be broken. United in marriage on September 25, 1954, in a beautiful ceremony, they together moved to Madison, had four creative children and were inseparable for 67 years.
During Ellie’s career years, she worked for the hospital system coding medical records. It was in the hospitality and culinary arts where her true zest for life shined big. Ellie was the quintessential Italian host. From humble beginnings, she was masterful at doing a lot with a little and became the definition “Italian-style” hospitality to everyone who knew and loved her. Food is love and everyone who knew her knew if you visited Ellie’s home, you were going to be fed and fed well! She loved her Italian cooking – especially making homemade raviolis, meatballs, and sauce. And, she was an undisputed master baker, widely known for her holiday-time Pizzelles and outrageous chocolate chip cookies. In fact, many of her children and grandchildren inherited her passion and flair for cooking.
Ellie also enjoyed reading, loved music (especially Faith Hill), wrote poetry, and religiously read her daily devotions and devout in her religion. She often could be heard saying, “Let go and let God” and her favorite hymn is “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” Her happiest moments were those spent with her family and grandchildren. Ellie loved nothing in this world more than her family. Every room in her home was filled with family pictures, especially the grandchildren, of whom she was so immensely proud.
Ellie Galvin left an enduring impression on everyone who knew her because she knew how to make people feel special. In fact, she was known for writing and sending personalized cards for every occasion – in perfect penmanship. A timelessly beautiful woman, she took pride in being “put together” which was half accomplished by her radiant smile and witty sense of humor she had. These qualities, plus an uncanny likeness, earned her the nickname “Betty White.”
In true Ellie-style, she retained these qualities until the very end. Ellie is survived by her three sons, Thomas “Tom” W. Galvin (Marilyn); James “Jim” Galvin; John Galvin; and daughter Catherine Galvin Grace (Larry); ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren, brother Sam (Carol) Spinelli; many nieces and nephews and her two beloved grand dogs Bella and Bailey.
Friends are welcome and will be received by the family from 4–6pm, July 7, 2022, at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River St., Madison. A Mass and Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 8, 2022, at 11:00 a.m., at Immaculate Conception Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations for the Fagan Fund Immaculate Conception Church at 2846 Hubbard Road, Madison, OH 44057, planting a tree or a donation of your choice in her memory.
Behm Family Funeral Home of Madison is assisting the family. Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com
I am saddened by the loss of Aunt Ellie. I enjoyed my visits with her and Uncle Tommy very much. They are now together forever. My thoughts and prayers to her loved ones. Love, Linda
May you rest in peace.
Love,
Tom & Marilyn
Sending our thoughts, love and prayers to all the family. May Ellie’s memory be eternal.
Elie was such a sweet. Friend and I loved her joy for the Lord! Gid rest your soul, dear Elie! I had many fun times with her!
We are so sorry for your loss. May the memories of her both comfort you and inspire you. Sending love and condolences.
I’ve known Ellie & Tom for many years! Lately I’ve been delivering Meals on Wheels to Ellie & always enjoyed visiting & talking. Will definitely miss seeing her, but I know she’s happy in heaven now🙏