Elissa M. Menconi
age 71, of Dorchester, MA, passed away unexpectedly, following complications from surgery, on September 8, 2016. Daughter of the late Elena (Mazzarello) and Armand Menconi and stepmother, Evelyn Abdalah Menconi. Treasured life partner of the late Joanne (JoJo) Peckarsky. Beloved sister of Sandra Sheehan and her husband Edmund, and her brother, the late Paul Menconi. Loving aunt of Sarah Sheehan and Katherine Gentile, her husband, Robert, and their son Luca.
Elissa (“Lisa” or “Zee Zee” as her family fondly called her) attended Boston State College and Boston University School of Social Work. She was employed by the City of Boston for many years as a medical/geriatric social worker and worked at Boston City Hospital and Mattapan Chronic Disease Hospital. Lisa excelled in her role as social worker, assisting a host of clients over the years with resolute commitment, compassion, sincerity and kindness. She will be remembered for her courage, dignity, strength, selflessness, and positive outlook on life; and above all, for how passionately she cherished her family and friends who loved her so dearly. We find comfort in knowing that she is reunited with JoJo and enjoying her favorite libation. Lisa truly was one of God’s most beautiful creations and will be profoundly missed.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours on Sunday, September 18, 2016, 2:00 to 6:00 PM at the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, Dorchester Lower Mills.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation, in her memory, to The Greater Boston Food Bank or Rosie’s Place.
Interment will be private.
Guestbook Entries
Sandy I am so sorry. She was the best and that is why she was always president of our classes at MRM. She was a wonderful friend and will never be forgotten
A sad goodbye to our sweet, brave Lisa. We were blessed with her loving presence and caring ways. She will be sorely missed by many. Mary from Maine
My heart goes out to you Sandra and family for losing Elissa.
Words can’t describe what a wonderful individual she was. Pushing her own issues aside to help others, with true compassion and love for her fellow man. She will be sorely missed by myself and many others whom lives she touched her entire life.
Love Marga
Life without Lisa in this world is almost impossible to imagine.
She was everything to her family and to all of us who were blessed to call her a best friend.
I’m devastated at her passing but at the same time relieved that she will not spend one more moment the with pain and weakness that made her have to struggle just to get through the day.
She never ever complained about all the limitations and restrictions that were ever-increasing over the years from the post polio. She only thought of each one of us and how we were doing in our own lives. Her marvelous perspective on life and sense of humor made everyone so happy just to be with her.
Sending deepest sympathy to Sandy, Ned, Sarah, Katie and Rob on the passing of our beautiful Lisa. Peace and love, Anne
First had the honor of knowing Lisa at St.Ann’s School in Neponset where her goodness and strength were so clear. She was an inspiration to all the children as she struggled with the huge physical challenge of polio.
Through the years Lisa continued to always focus on others and never on herself, a living example of selflessness.
Heaven has gained an angel.
Lisa, your role in my life was as my sister Anne’s best friend, but ere long you became my opera-buff-buddy.
You were a connoisseur of many fine things and I considered you the best couture’d gal in town. Your “disfigurements” were simply beautiful – I don’t know how you did it.
Your endurance was a total inspiration, and will live on until Luca is old. George and I salute you from Australia.
Va’, Elissa, sull’ali dora-a-a-te….
Dear Sandy and family
I was so honored to be one of Lee many friends.Lee has been such a
help since we first met at childrens always there to listen and just be there for you.I told her many times she was the only social worker I ever liked.I hope you and everyone else knows what a diference she made to all that knew her. A true angel that we will all miss
love Sharon
Lisa was a very kind, loving friend. We shared some delicious lunches and fun times together. I shall miss her cherry attitude and interesting conversations.
Lisa was the most wonderful friend and person I ever met in my life and touched us all in different ways I am sure. She was a champion for social justice compassion for the voiceless she carried herself with great dignity and class and did not let any obstacle halt her journey. I feel fortunate even as a little boy at my sisters side to have met her. Every room she entered was filled with light because of her smile and she showed us all that being non judgmental is the greatest of these. She was my inspiration I hope i can be as smart and caring as she was.
Lisa, you were a beautiful person inside and out, and your genuine kindness and strength were an inspiration. You’ll be greatly missed, but I’ll never forget all the wonderful times spent with you and JoJo.
My heart is broken for Lisa’s family and anyone who knew her. Our loss is profound but our lives were enriched by her presence. As my dear friend Patrick always said about Lisa “there are people who look into a puddle and see mud, but Lisa looks into a puddle and sees the reflection of the stars.” God bless you my dear, Lisa.
We’ll keep that bottle of wine for our next meeting! Love forever, June
Lisa was a wonderful person, loving friend and caring for so many.
We enjoyed her humor, love and political stances.
We will miss her and attempt to live up to her loving way of being in the world.
We send our love and prayers to her family.
Jeanne and Joan
We are so sorry. Lisa was the sweetest and kindest people we have known. Out son Gabriel put it best ” Lusa always smiled even if she was having a hard time”. Sandy you and your family are in our hearts and prayers.
Love
Joanne, Beth an Gabriel
I was Sharon Wilbur’s PCA for the last 21 yrs. of Sharon’s life.I know for certain that in the last few years of Sharon’s life the only truly happy days were the ones when Elissa came for lunch. Elissa was such a bright light that she lite up that dark and depressed house. When Elissa came Sharon was not needy or focused completely on her health.
More than anyone I have ever known Elissa upbeat and joyous through awful times and her spirit spread immediately to others. After Sharon died I knew that,I would never see Elissa again but we spoke on the phone and I thought often of the last time we saw her when yu so kingly brought her down to Sharon’s for lunch.
The last time I spoke to her she was having a terrible time post-surgery. We left it that she would call me when she was up to it. When she did not call I knew that things were not going well but did not want to bother her. When I did not get a Christmas card with an update I tried to call and then Sharon’s cousin found this site.The world was a much better place with Elissa in it but I am glad that she is at her peace and with Joanna again.My sympathy to the family. You must feel a terrible void.
Sincerely, Pam Wilson.