Elaine B. Atiyeh

Elaine (Boutross) Atiyeh, 97, of Enfield, CT, died peacefully on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Elaine was born in Brooklyn, NY, the youngest daughter of eight children of the late George and Julia (Jabbour) Boutross. She grew up in Park Slope, Brooklyn, NY on Fifth Street, surrounded by cousins, aunts, and uncles. Elaine attended the College of Chestnut Hill in Philadelphia, PA and the Berkeley Business School in Manhattan, NY. Among Elaine's Brooklyn friends, was her future husband, Philip A. Atiyeh, with whom she shared 50 years of marriage. They were married on June 30, 1951, and moved into an apartment building near her sister, Georgette and her family. After their first two children were born, and before the building was torn down to make way for the entrance ramp to the Verrazzano Bridge, they moved to the suburbs of Long Island, NY where four more children were welcomed. Elaine was active in parish work at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Manhasset, NY and was involved in the Rosary Society, served on the Parish Council, the Faith Formation Committee, was a Eucharistic Minister and lector at daily Mass, established Adoration and Marian devotions, and organized a monthly day of recollection in the diocese. Elaine was also the leader of the Blue Army on Long Island, an organization established to spread the message of Fatima. When her husband, Phil retired, they moved to Avon, CT. Elaine inaugurated and organized the Annual Rosary Rally, presided over by Pastor Monsignor John Bevins, held each October at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury. For 30 years she wrote letters to book speakers and made innumerable telephone calls to promote the Rally. Over the years, Elaine was friends with notable Catholics, among them, Father John Hardon, SJ, John Haffert, Dan Lynch, and Father Robert Fox. Elaine loved hosting family gatherings in Manhasset, enjoyed striking up conversations with people she'd just met, liked a good laugh, and leaves behind fond memories when she was raising her children. A loving and devoted mother, she is survived by her children, Dianne Francis and her husband Steven of Virginia Beach, VA, Phil Atiyeh and his wife Colleen of Cheshire, Tom Atiyeh and his wife Cindy of Simsbury, Bob Atiyeh and his wife Wendy of Enfield, Jeananne McMahon and her husband Dan of East Hampton, and Chris Atiyeh of Avon; her grandchildren Evan, Cliff, Ashley, Kim, Lindsey, Katie, Kristine, Kelsie, Tom, and Caitlin; great grandchildren, Tia and Alex; sister-in-law, Barbara Boutross; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her siblings, Marie, Ann, Jeanie, Claire, Georgette, George, and Albert, and their spouses. Her family will receive friends on Sunday, November 2, 2-4 p.m., at Nicholson & Carmon Funeral Home, 443 East Street N, Suffield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, November 3, 11 a.m., in the Chapel at St. Joseph's Residence, 1365 Enfield Street, Enfield. She will be laid to rest in Saint Ann Cemetery, Avon. Her family appreciates the members of the Calvary Prayer Group, with whom Elaine prayed each evening, for their faithfulness and kindness toward her over many years. Her family deeply thanks the Little Sisters of the Poor and the staff at St. Joseph's Residence in Enfield for their loving kindness, patience, and beneficial care showered on Elaine. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 1365 Enfield St., Enfield CT 06082 or online at https://littlesistersofthepoorconnecticut.org/ Ave Maria! To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elaine, please visit our floral store.