Eleanor O. Harper, 86
May 23, 2006
Eleanor (O'Neil) Harper, wife of John B. Harper,
passed away quietly at her home with her family by her side on Tuesday, May
23, 2006.
She was the daughter of the late Dr. William T. and
Theresa (Cunningham) O'Neil of Belmont. Eleanor was a graduate of the
Belmont High School, and went on to study art at Radcliffe College,
graduating with the class of 1941.
She was an accomplished artist, using the mediums of
oil and watercolors. She sold many of her paintings to private residences.
Her paintings included portraits, especially one she was commissioned to do
of the last president of Radcliffe College, Matine Horner; also, landscapes,
still lifes, and one of her favorite subjects, the local beauty of the
marine life around Cape Ann. Some of her works of art hang in the Butler
Museum in Youngstown, Ohio. Eleanor had a separate studio in her home and
therefore could paint whenever she desired to.
Mrs. Harper was a member of the Rockport Art
Association, the North Shore Art Association, the Guild of Boston Artists
and the Rockport Garden Club.
Eleanor is survived by her husband of 60 years, John
B. Harper of Rockport; one daughter, Holly, wife of John Yasaitis of
Lexington; two sons, Jack Harper, husband of Maureen of Ponte Vedra Beach,
Fla., and Bill Harper, husband of Diane of Hanover, NH; and eight
grandchildren; Christine, John and Laura Yasaitis, Meghan and Michael
Harper, Katherine Prevatt, and Sean and Nick Harper.
Arrangements: In keeping with her wishes there
are no visiting hours. A memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 30, at
9:30 a.m. in Our Lady of Good Voyage Church, Gloucester. Burial will be held
Wednesday, May 31, at 1 p.m. in the Belmont Cemetery in Belmont. Family and
friends are cordially invited. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made
in her memory to VNA Hospice Care Network, 8 Angle St., Gloucester, MA
01930. Arrangements are by the Burgess & Mackey Funeral Home, 201 Main St.,
Rockport.
