Elinor J. Sills of Waterbury, passed away peacefully and quietly from this life on March 31, 2026. She was born September 15, 1924 in Waterbury, CT, to the late George L. and Margaret (Gaudiosi) Sills. She considered Waterbury her home base to which she returned after several years of living in Italy for months at a time. She wanted to be close to family when her traveling days were done. Her burial in Riverside Cemetery in Waterbury is also a homecoming for her.

She was a graduate of Leavenworth High School in 1946 and of the Hartt College of Music in 1952.

She fell in love with and began lessons with the violin at age 5. Consequently, she became a professional musician, playing violin with several symphonies here in CT, including 75 years with the Waterbury Symphony. She taught music in the Simsbury school system for many years, as well as private students. She perceived and nurtured potential in students the others could not see. To one special student who stayed in touch with her over a lifetime, she gave her beloved 1700’s violin.

Elinor was a life-long learner, and could share a wealth of knowledge on many topics. She had a brilliant mind, a most generous and caring heart, free-spirited and fun-loving, yet disciplined and precise.

Elinor was predeceased by her siblings, Geraldine L. Helie, George L. Sills, Jr., and Earl A. Sills. ” Auntie Nor” is survived by 15 loving nieces and nephews, several grand-nieces and nephews and great grands as well.

Funeral services with burial in Riverside Cemetery will be celebrated privately by her family. The Buckmiller Ford Mengacci Funeral Home 82 Fairview Avenue in Naugatuck is privileged to care for Elinor and her family.