Obituary of Emily D. Caleskie

Emily D. Caleskie, 90, of Duxbury, MA passed peacefully on July 24, surrounded by her daughters. A thoughtful, caring “people person” who liked to “kid around”, she had a knack for making people feel special, and touched everyone she knew. Emily took pride in being energetic, strong, and independent. She had a passion for helping others, loved singing and dancing, and always talked proudly of her life, 3 daughters, and 4 grandchildren. Emily was born Feb.16,1927 in Belleville, NJ to Leonardo and Carmela D’Onofrio, 1of 6 children. Graduating salutatorian from Belleville High in 1944, she was employed as a secretary by Mutual Benefit Ins. Co., before marrying Vincent Caleskie in 1950. While her former husband served in the Marine Corps, Emily followed him to Parris Island, SC and Washington, D.C., finding work as a civil service secretary. After his discharge, they moved to Farmington, CT, where their daughters, Irene, Debra, and Marianne, were born. They lived in Florissant, MO and then Milford, MA, before moving to Duxbury, MA in 1967, where they built their home on Elm St. in Tinkertown. In 1983, she moved to the Drew House on Washington St., a home she enjoyed with her daughter Marianne. Emily loved Duxbury and the beach, and was always happiest involved in her community, She served as the Unitarian Universalist church secretary from 1970-94. She was devoted to her Holy Family Church “family”, and enjoyed participating in the many activities there, especially singing in the choir for 42 years. She was very proud to be honored as a Duxbury Volunteer of the Year nominee and presented with a Presidential Lifetime Service Award in 1995 for her involvement with the Girl Scouts, Pine St. Inn, Jordan Hospital, the Duxbury Rural & Historical Society, King Caesar House, Appalachia Service Project, Duxbury Thrift Shop, and Duxbury Senior Center, where she served as their first volunteer receptionist. She participated in the Sweet Adelines, Duxbury Bay Players, and Snug Harbor Community Chorus. Emily leaves her daughters Irene (James) Heinert of Sturgis, SD and Debra (Robert) Jewell of Cohasset, MA; 4 grandchildren, Joseph (Rosie) Heinert, Danielle Heinert, Molly (Jamie) Ward, and William Jewell; 2 great-grandchildren, Aaliya and Asher Heinert; and her oldest sister, Phillis Parillo of Hobe Sound, FL; as well as many nieces and nephews and her extended family of friends. She is preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Marianne, her parents, siblings Lawrence D’Onofrio, August D’Onofrio, Elvira Zinni, and Irene Herman. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, July 27 from 4-7:00 p.m. at Shepherd Funeral Home, 216 Main St (Rt. 106) in Kingston. A Funeral Mass will be noon on Fri., July 28 at Holy Family Church in Duxbury, with interment at Mayflower Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Duxbury Senior Center. Expressions of condolence may be sent to her daughters (Debra Jewell: PO Box193 Cohasset, MA 02025; Irene Heinert: 1129 Foothills Rd. Sturgis, SD 57785). Memorial contributions will be shared among several causes dearest to Emily’s heart. We will always be grateful to the dedicated staff of friends at The Village at Proprietors Green, whom she loved dearly. We also thank the tender care provided by the Cranberry Hospice staff in her last months.