Eleanor R. Petley, beloved wife and mother, born February 8, 1938 of Colts Neck, departed peacefully on her final journey Wednesday morning, February 14th surrounded by her loving family. She was 86.

Eleanor (“Ellie”), the daughter of the late James F. Donovan and Margaret Rita Walsh, was born and raised along with 6 siblings in Allston, MA. Upon graduation from Brighton High School in 1955, she was employed as a clerk at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in Boston. In 1972, she began work as an Administrative Secretary for a shoe buyer at Morton Shoe Company. She often recalled her employment there as fate for it was while out bowling with work associates that she met the love of her life, and husband of 43 years, the late Thomas Petley. As the wife of a rising UPS executive, Ellie was the glue of the family, devoting herself and providing stability for her children throughout the many household moves and transitions associated with Thomas’s career. They resided in several New England towns, Nebraska, and New Jersey, and ultimately settled in the “Garden State” for retirement. Throughout it all she remained a true Bostonian, rooting for the Red Sox and never losing her Boston accent.

A woman of many talents, she embraced life with a passion. As a teenager she practiced six hours a day in the sport of competitive dance roller skating, performing in competitions and winning several awards. Ellie also enjoyed playing piano, bowling, knitting and needle point. Later, her ultimate passion became golf. Participating in the Ladies Leagues week after week, she enjoyed perfecting her swing with friends at Tamarack Golf course in East Brunswick. Ellie was also passionate about traveling and particularly enjoyed cruising with family and friends to locations in the Caribbean, Europe, and the Mediterranean. While holding a strong affection for pop and classical music, she could not hide her love of Chuck Mangione and her favorite song, “Feels So Good”. Not limiting herself solely to the loving care of her family and her active personal life, she also felt a strong social commitment toward helping others. Her volunteer work over the years included providing meal services to the frail and elderly, spending time with the residents and service providers in nursing homes, and always lending a helping hand at church gatherings and functions. All in all, Ellie was best described as a soft spoken, sweet person, who had a comedic timing that would send all into a fit of laughter.

Ellie is predeceased by her loving husband Thomas Petley and son Edward. She is survived by her son William and his wife Maribel of Pace FL, daughter Kimberly Cononie and her husband Dan of Colts Neck, grandchildren Jacob, Elise, Edward, Thomas and Ciara; her step grandchildren Angela and Joey, and great grandchildren Jacob, Jayse, Zayne, Logan and Elijiah. In her final years, Ellie developed a strong bond and friendship with her living assistant, Nina, who helped to care for her and kept Ellie smiling along the way. Eleanor will continue to be loved and missed by all who were privileged to know her.

Visitation for Eleanor will be Sunday, February 18th, 10am-1pm, at Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Rd, Holmdel. Burial will be immediate to follow at Holmdel Cemetery, 900 Holmdel Rd, Holmdel. At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of her favorite charities; St. Jude Children’s Hospital. To share a favorite memory or send a message to the family, please visit her tribute page at holmdelfuneralhome.com.