NORTH ANDOVER – Amelia “Amy” Olenio 99 of North Andover, MA, died peacefully on Saturday December 26, 2009 surrounded by her loving family at her bed side.
Born in Lawrence, MA, she was the daughter of Ernest and Jennie (Gerundo) Olenio, she was educated in Methuen and was a graduate of the Edward F. Searles High School and also McIntosh Business School in Lawrence. As a young woman she was a member of the Lawrence YWCA where she was a Red Cross swimming instructor. She was a member of the Quota Club in Lawrence. She was the executive secretary to the President of the American Woolen Company in Lawrence, MA.
After her retirement in 1975, she enrolled in Northern Essex Community College graduating with high honors at the age of 69, she gave the student address to her graduating Class of 1979. She began her second career of 30 years at Elder Services of Merrimack Valley, working 5 days a week as a graphic artist and secretary until age 94. She remained at her home in North Andover until her passing. She was an accomplished artist specializing in pen and ink and inspired by historical homes and buildings that she later transformed into her drawings. She was commissioned for works by Jack Welch of General Electric and North Andover Stevens Memorial Library where her sketch remains today on the library card.
She is survived by nephews Daniel J. Olenio, Jr. of Haverhill, MA and John D. Olenio and his companion Christina Brown of Atkinson, NH.
Great-nephew and niece Jason J. Olenio and Jana M. Olenio.
She is also survived by many great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
Amy was pre-deceased by her sisters and brothers Angie Ruggiero, Anthony Olenio, Mildred Olenio, Ernest (Casey) Olenio, Louis and Daniel Olenio, Sr.
ARRANGEMENTS: Memorials can be made to Elder Services of Merrimack Valley or Merrimack Valley Hospice 360 Merrimack St. BLDG 9 Lawrence, MA 01843. Family and friends may call on Wednesday from 2:00p.m. – 4:00p.m. and 6:00p.m. – 9:00p.m. at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home 233 Lawrence Street Methuen, MA 01844. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 10:00a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date.