Eleanor Jones Ferri

Age 95, of Brooksby Village, Peabody, died April 16, 2008 at the Salem Hospital. Born December 14, 1912 she was a graduate of the Revere school system and Boston University. She first worked as export manager for E. B. Badger & Sons, Co., designers and builders of oil refineries around the globe. After marriage and motherhood, she chose to work at home where she was a pioneer in the community telephone directory business. During these years she was able to realize her dream of attending art school and enter the Rockport art community. She trained at the Museum School. Eleanor retired after 25 years of publishing the Melrose Guide & Directory and moved to Cape Cod where she devoted her entire time to painting and promoting art. During these years she studied with many internationally known artists, including Gruppe, Curtis, Henche and Barber. She totally immersed herself in all facets of art, experimenting with various media in painting and sketching, as well as dabbling in pottery, sculpture, mono-printing and copper enameling. In addition to organizing art shows, she was instrumental in the founding of the Yarmouth Art Guild, now in its 27th year. In 2001, Eleanor moved to Brooksby Village, Peabody, where she maintained a studio and continued to paint, exhibit, sell and win many awards. She finally settled on acrylic as her favorite medium. Over the years, as a "plein air" painter, she has set up her easel in Russia, Portugal and throughout Europe. Her work is internationally represented in private and public collections. Eleanor continued to work until she suffered a stroke several days prior to her death. She is survived by a son, Dr. Lee K. Jones of Boxborough, 2 grandchildren: Bradford A. Jones of Newton & Lindsey F. Jones of New York, 2 sisters: Erminie E. Battis of Peabody & Mary V. Toomey of Chelsea, a niece, Ellen M. Rolli of Melrose & a nephew, Richard F. Toomey of Ohio. She was the former wife of Frank L. Jones, Jr. A memorial service is being planned at a later date in Brooksby Village, Peabody.