Eleanor L. (Tomao) Pambookian

Mrs. Eleanor L. (Tomao) Pambookian, of Natick, formerly of Newton, died Friday, July 7, 2023 at Beaumont Rehabilitation Center in Natick.  She was 96.

Eleanor was born in Waltham on March 30, 1927, a daughter of the late Julian and Mary (Piacentino) Tomao, and was a graduate of Waltham High School.  She remained close with many members of her class and had been involved in all their reunions.

Following her marriage to Harry C. Pambookian in 1960, the couple moved to Newton where they raised their daughters. Eleanor worked for a time at Waltham Hospital before becoming a full-time mom . . . a role that she loved and excelled at. She was a tireless school volunteer and especially enjoyed her years as a Camp Fire Girl troop leader.

Eleanor and her family spent many happy summers in Yarmouth, where she was a regular at South Middle Beach and raised a prolific vegetable garden each year. In addition to being a longtime and devoted parishioner at Saint Bernard’s Church in Newton, she was also a communicant at St. Pius X in South Yarmouth.

Eleanor and Harry shared 52 happy years together until Harry’s death on June 30, 2012.

In addition to her cherished daughters, Maryellen Pambookian of Newton Highlands and Paula Johnson of Sherborn, Eleanor leaves her son-in-law Brian Johnson and her grandchildren, Evan and Emma Johnson, who brought her an endless amount of joy.

Eleanor was also a sister of the late Julia Tomao and Alice Parkey.

Eleanor’s family would like to extend their deepest thanks to the staff of the Wilson Unit at Beaumont Rehabilitation Center in Natick, who cared for her with so much compassion, as well as Brookhaven Hospice, especially her Nurse Ann.

Family and friends will honor and remember Eleanor’s life by gathering to visit in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham, on Thursday, July 13th from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. before leaving in procession to Saint Mary’s Church, 133 School Street, Waltham, where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m.  Burial will be private.