Eleanor T. Raye

Eleanor T. Raye, 75, of Northborough, MA passed away peacefully in the Beaumont Skilled Nursing facility in Westborough on January 30, 2022.

Eleanor was born in Melrose, MA on October 6, 1946, the daughter of Edward W. Raye and Helen Taylor Raye.  She was the youngest of three children.  She was the salutatorian of the Melrose High School class of 1964.   In 1968, Eleanor graduated from Tufts University with honors. Eleanor evolved into a talented businesswoman working in the property and casualty insurance industry.  After learning and growing within several insurance companies, Eleanor settled at the Hanover Insurance Company for over 22 years.  While at the Hanover, she transferred to one of its subsidiary companies, AMGRO Finance Company, and was promoted to President of the company.  Eleanor was known to selflessly share her knowledge and mentor others in the insurance industry.  It was fitting that she ended her career working as the Director of the Worcester County Insurance Institute, which provided insurance education to both corporate and agency employees.  While at the Hanover, Eleanor met her future husband, Donald Hewey.  They were married in 1987.  They loved to entertain, especially at Eleanor’s favorite holiday, Christmas.  Together, they traveled to places such as London, Scotland, and New Zealand to name a few.  Eleanor was “mom” to several fortunate cats over the years (2 at a time).  She loved to laugh at herself and with others.  Throughout her life she showed tremendous love and care for family and friends.  She will be missed by all who knew her.

Eleanor is survived by her husband of 34 years, Donald Hewey of Northborough.   She is also survived by her sister, Jean Carey of Waltham, MA and her brother Edward Wesley Raye, Jr. and his wife Judi of Hudson, NH.  She leaves two nieces, Heather Johnson and her husband Eric of Waltham and Julie Horton and her husband Michael of Littleton, MA.  She also leaves her nephew, Todd Carey of Arizona.  In addition, Eleanor leaves three stepsons.  Frank Hewey and his wife Ruby of Goldendale, WA, Daniel Harris and his wife Altimira of Grafton, MA and Kenneth Harris and his wife Kristen of Douglas, MA.  She is preceded in death by a fourth stepson, David Hewey.

Eleanor’s family would like to thank the staff at both Whitney Place Assisted Living in Westborough and Beaumont Skilled Nursing Facility in Westborough for their compassionate care over the past 2 years, 8 months.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Eleanor’s life at the First United Methodist Church, 120 West Main Street, Westborough, MA on Saturday, February 12th.  There will be a calling hour beginning at 10 AM followed by the funeral service in the sanctuary at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eleanor’s memory to the Sterling Animal Shelter, 17 Laurelwood Road, Sterling, MA 01564 (sterlingshelter.org) (978-422-8585).  Eleanor loved her cats!