Eileen Paravecchio

A Vigil for the Deceased will be held on Friday, September 17, 2010, at 6:00 p.m. at the Schrader Chapel. A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday, September 18th at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral with Father Gary J. Ruzicka as celebrant. A reception will follow at Hartmann Hall. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 17, 2010, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Schrader Funeral Home. Eileen Lucy Paravecchio, 82, passed away Saturday, September 11, 2010 in Cheyenne. She was born February 15, 1928 in Salida, Colorado, to Frank E. and Louise (Martellaro) Volpe. Eileen was raised in Cheyenne, an excellent student who graduated with top honors from St. Mary’s High School. A National Merit Scholar, Eileen received the prestigious National Merit College Scholarship. She had a successful career with Walton Motor Company and the Wyoming State Liquor Commission where she was an early adapter to new computer technology. Later, she joined Fowler’s Department Store, a Cheyenne legend for the fashion-forward. Eileen was known for her impeccable fashion sense and personal style. Married to Joseph N. Paravecchio on October 27, 1947, together they raised a son, Russ, and made a life in Cheyenne. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1966, Eileen was a pioneering cancer patient at the Mayo clinic. She was a proud cancer survivor. She carried on many Italian-American traditions. She was a terrific cook, a wonderful hostess and as her license plate read, Nana. When her son and grandchildren moved back to Cheyenne in 1981, she helped raise a second generation, especially ensuring that they were well dressed. Eileen is survived by her brother, Michael Volpe of Grand Junction, CO; her son, Dr. Russell F. Paravecchio of Bellevue, WA; and three grandchildren, Renee Paravecchio Trueblood of Tacoma, WA, Ryan Paravecchio of Los Angeles, CA, and Robin Paravecchio of Los Angeles CA. Eileen was also blessed to hold each of her three great-granddaughters, Josephine and Anne-Marie Paravecchio Trueblood and Louisa Paravecchio. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Joseph Volpe; and her husband on February 24, 2009. Serving as pallbearers are Joseph Marek, Lawrence Stolz, Brent Martini, Kevin Volpe, Mark Jones and Mario Sara.