NORTHBOROUGH

Eleanor May (Santoro) Guild, affectionately known as Ellie of Northborough, passed away at the Rose Monahan Hospice House, surrounded by her loving family on June 16, 2025, at the age of 90. Ellie was born in Boston, the daughter of the late Charles and Agnes (Farrell) Santoro.

Ellie grew up in Roxbury, MA, with her four late siblings, Geraldine Woodworth, Claire Regan, Charles Santoro and Carol Souza. She married James Guild in 1958. Ellie and Jim settled in Northborough in 1960 and raised their family there. Ellie was a wonderful mother to her three children Susan, Lori and Jimmy. She imparted her love of crafts, gardening and cooking to her children.

Ellie delighted in cooking for others. Her spaghetti and meatballs were legendary according to her friends and family. Summertime was Ellie's favorite season. She loved her inground pool and entertaining around the pool. The highlight of the summer for her was the fourth of July Cookout where she would make seafood chowder, fruit cup and strawberry shortcake for at least 50 people each year. Ellie was also known for her Sour Cream Coffee Cake. Baking you a coffee cake was Ellie's love language!

Cooking was not Ellie's only talent; she also loved to help people. Ellie turned her passion for kindness, compassion and service to others into a career. In addition to having three small children and a part-time job, Ellie bravely entered a program to become a registered nurse. In 1973 she graduated from Quinsigamond Community College Registered Nursing program. Ellie loved babies and spent her early nursing career working in Labor and Delivery. In later years she worked for the Fallon Clinic Obstetrics and Gynecology department. After a fulfilling career she retired in 1996. At the time of her retirement, she received a letter from the Assistant Administrator of Fallon Clinic saying: "Fallon couldn't have asked for a more conscientious nurse and I, personally, want you to know how much I appreciated your dedication and support."

Ellie even continued her service to others in her retirement years by volunteering in the Bistro kitchen at the Northborough Senior Center and gardening for the Birchwood Community. She also loved spending time with her four grandchildren, always attending their school and recreational activities. Ellie and Jim took each of them to Disney World when each turned five years old.

For the last 30 years, Ellie looked forward to her winters in Bonita Springs, Florida. Ellie found a true companion later in life after being introduced to the late Frank Manni by a mutual friend 13 years ago. Frank became part of her family, celebrating holidays, traveling and making countless memories together.

Ellie was predeceased by her husband, Jim Guild, and son, James "Jimmy" Guild of Northborough. Ellie is survived by her daughters Susan (Guild) Halpin and her husband Jim Halpin of Worcester and Lori (Guild) Perry of Killingly, CT. She is also survived by her grandchildren Stephanie Perry and Jason Clark of Cape Coral, FL; Katie Perry and Dave Frost of Pomfret, CT; Ryan Halpin of Austin, TX; Carro Halpin and Zachary Sisko of Brighton, MA; and great grandchildren Zachariah Baris; and Kaia, Ella and Ava Clark.

Visiting hours will be held from 9:00-10:30am on Monday, June 23, at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 11:00am at St. Rose of Lima Parish, 244 W. Main Street, Northborough.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Eleanor to the QCC Foundation Nursing Scholarship Fund. Donations can be made online at www.qcc.edu/giving (select "Other" as the designation and put "nursing scholarship" in the comment box) or checks made out to QCC Foundation can be mailed to QCC Foundation, 670 West Boylston Street, Worcester MA 01606 and make the notation "in memory of Eleanor Guild."