Eileen Parrella

Eileen K. Parrella, born April 15, 1936, passed away surrounded by family on Saturday, August 7th 2021, at her son's home in Norwich, NY. The day was warm, sunny and breezy as she took her last breath lying in a lounge chair, underneath a red maple tree.

She is predeceased by her parents Matilda Spiroff Chapman and William Chapman, her husband, Salvatore Cosmo Parrella, her son, James C.Parrella, her son in law, Christopher Neal Brissette Sr. and her grandson, Christopher Neal Brissette II

She is survived by her son, Michael Parrella: his children Alicia, Michael, and Katherine; her daughter, Chrisanne Parrella; and her son, Patrick Taylor; her son, Daniel Parrella and his wife Teresa; their children Mathew (Hannah Eddy, first great-grandson, Paxton) and Thomas. Grandson, Joseph Salvatore Parrella. Her daughter, Susan Brissette; and her children Camille (2 great-granddaughters Ally and Emily), Daniel (Nevaeh, great-grandson, Baron), Madelyn, and Neal. Eileen leaves behind a brother, William Chapman and his wife Waldi; their children Jan and Patrica; and a sister, Madelyn Beck, and her son Wayne and wife Laura in California.

Eileen was employed full time at Grumman Aircraft, NY until 1957 when she married Sal, and raised her five children while living in Levittown, NY. She gained many honest and caring friendships and close family relationships with all of her in-laws.

From 1965 to 1976 she worked in community and volunteer organizational activities, including PTA at Island Trees, Long Island. She was a member of various commitees, helping to initiate new programs for students and adults which included pre-school, amblyopia screening, sport programs, family life and mental health among others. During this time she also initiated an annual tree planting event as an environmental project. She received the Jenkins award for her roles and was given a lifetime membership in PTA for her outstanding work with children. She was involved in the local Midget Football League, worked on various fundraising activities and became league secretary. She also worked with the Little League baseball team in the community as a team mother for several years. Eileen received an award for outstanding service to this league. She was a devout Catholic and taught CCD classes at various levels for several years.

Eileen and Sal moved to Hillsboro, NH in 1976 to live near Her Uncle Lou and Aunt Emily Werner. Eileen joined the Catholic Women's club, serving as secretary for a year. She was then elected to Parish Council at St. Mary's in Hillsboro and served as a board member to St. John's school in Concord, NH. Eileen returned to business management for her husband Sal's two restaurants and years later she began working at Read and Woods insurance company until moving to Venice Florida in 1995. Eileen worked for Neilson Ratings in six week cycles. During her six weeks off, she would fly back North to help raise her grandchildren. Spending time with all of them was important to her. She liked sitting outside with coffee and her crossword puzzles. She loved the ocean and swimming. She loved flowers, plants and birds.

Sal and Eileen retired in Venice, Florida. They were blessed with close friends and family and enjoyed having them visit. In 2018, they relocated to Norwich, NY because Eileen was struggling with Alzheimer's Disease and needed her children. Her family embraced her severe memory loss and inability to speak words purposefully. She was given 24 hour care by all. She still recognized everyone she loved, but couldn’t say their names. She could still dance to a good song, eat her favorite foods and obsess over shoes, socks and blankets. For her safety, she resided at the NYS Veterans Home until she could no longer swallow. Her last three days were spent with family, coordinated by Chenango County Hospice. The organization gave her comfort and her family the chance to share her last days.

A memorial service for Eileen will take place at 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 24th, at St. Bartholomew’s Church, 81 E. Main St. Norwich. She will be laid to rest with Salvatore at St. Paul’s Cemetery.