Elaine Mele's Obituary
Elaine Mele peacefully passed away in Dallas, TX on June 12, 2020 surrounded by her family.
Elaine was born in Brooklyn, NY on December 2, 1932, as the youngest of three siblings to Patrick and Helen Allatin. She attended high school at Fontbonne Hall and received her bachelor’s degree from St. John’s University where she met the love of her life. On September 18, 1952, she married Salvatore Mele. They enjoyed a full life together with their four beloved daughters.
Elaine was a true woman of grace and a pillar of strength to the community. Her greatest love was embedded in her Catholic faith where she was a member of St. Rita Catholic Community for the past 45 years. She devoted her life to various ministry groups and served in many capacities such as Eucharistic minister, Good Samaritan and marriage preparation sponsor. She also enjoyed the YMCA, the opera, the Dallas Arboretum and other cultural activities. She loved cooking, entertaining and cherished her many friendship groups. Her passion was her family, including four daughters and three granddaughters. She reveled in attending milestone events and supported all in their endeavors.
Elaine is survived by her children Celeste, Paula, Claudia, Claudia’s husband, Jeff, and Monica, granddaughters Francesca, Isabella, and Gabriela, her sister-in-law Carmela, nieces, nephews, and numerous dear friends. She is preceded in death by her husband Salvatore, her sister Audrey, and her brother Freddie.
Visitation will be 3-5 p.m., Friday, June 19, 2020, at Restland Funeral Home, 13005 Greenville Ave. in Dallas. A mass will be at 11 a.m., June 20, 2020, at St. Rita Catholic Church located at 12521 Inwood Road in Dallas, and burial will immediately follow at Restland. Mass will also be live-streamed at https://youtu.be/d20rKigi9IE. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Rita Catholic Community or Semones Family YMCA (Town North).
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