Eleanor “Ellie” Migliazzo Novara of Lewiston, NY passed away on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 in Buffalo, NY. Born on November 26, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Rocco and Caterina (Mariano) Migliazzo. On November 7, 1970, Eleanor married her beloved husband Samuel John Novara at Sacred Heart RC Church in Niagara Falls, NY.
Eleanor attended schools in Niagara Falls, graduating from Niagara Falls High School in 1959, and enjoyed their many class reunions throughout the years. She began working for various attorneys as a legal secretary. She also worked as a secretary at Bell Aerospace Company and Union Carbide-Linde/Praxair. After retirement, she worked part time as a receptionist for a dentist, at the Warehouse Dress Shop as a clerk and volunteered at the Castellani Art Museum of Niagara University, as well as the manager/buyer for the Castellani Art Museum Shop.
Samuel and Eleanor were happy that they were able to travel extensively throughout the USA, Europe, Canada, and enjoyed taking cruises. Their greatest pleasure was visiting the birth places where their parents were born and meeting of their relatives: Eleanor’s family in Calabria, Italy, and Sam’s family in Sicily, Italy. One of her greatest accomplishments, along with several individuals who co-authored three books written about “Italians in Niagara Falls,” a project taken upon by the Italian Genealogy Group at the Lewiston Public Library in Lewiston, NY. Eleanor also enjoyed the Genealogy group at the Lewiston Library, and writing her Memoirs, as well as stories of her life and family.
In addition to her husband, Samuel John Novara, of 48 years, she was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Concetta R. (late Dominick) Migliazzo Paolone; her brother, Thomas Migliazzo, nephew, Thomas Migliazzo, Jr.,; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Philip and Rosalia (Livecchi) Novara; her brother-in-law, Salvatore Novara; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lucy (late Dominic) Porreca, Antoinette Novara, Theresa (late Joseph L.) Rotella, Fannie (late Richard) Rotella-Smeadela, Stanley Smeadela, Jeanette (late Robert) Beney; nephew, John Rotella and her niece, Carmelette (DeFazio) Rotella.
She is survived by her brothers, Anthony S. (Patricia) Migliazzo, Rocco (Lordes) Migliazzo, Jr., Salvatore (Elaine) Migliazzo and her Aunt Betty (late Anthony) Etopio Mariano.
Ellie’s life was filled with the happiness of being with her family and friends. She took great pleasure as an aunt to numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-great nieces and nephews, and their growing families throughout her lifetime as they were all so special to her.
Visitation will be on Saturday, June 28 from 10 – 11 AM at St. Peter’s RC Church, 620 Center Street, Lewiston, NY, where Eleanor’s Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00 AM. Entombment will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. Flowers are graciously declined, memorial offerings may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Visitation
Saturday, June 28, 2025
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
St. Peter’s RC Church
620 Center Street
Lewiston, NY 14092
Get Directions on Google Maps
Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, June 28, 2025
11:00 AM
St. Peter’s RC Church
620 Center Street
Lewiston, NY 14092
Get Directions on Google Maps
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