NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Eleanor Salerno Guidi, also known as "Dolly," 92, peacefully passed away surrounded by her loved ones on July 5, 2016.  

She was the daughter of Albert and Josephine DeGiori Salerno and the youngest of four children. She was born and raised in North Adams, where she attended local schools and graduated from Drury High School in 1942. After high school Eleanor accepted a job in Washington, D.C., where she worked as a secretary for a General in the U.S. Army. When returning to Massachusetts, she attended Becker Jr. College, where she earned her Associates Degree in Science in 1945. While there, she was also captain of the girl’s basketball and tennis teams, as well as editor of the college paper.

After college Eleanor returned to North Adams and became manager of DiLego’s Jewelry Store. She moved on to be employed at Harriman Airport, and eventually invested in the company, and was also a co owner and operator of a Western Auto Store.

In 1954 she married Clento J. Guidi from Providence, R.I., and started The Dolly Studio Of The Dance. It grew throughout Berkshire County, where she taught ballroom dancing and etiquette in seven locations.

Eleanor enjoyed a teaching career from 1968 to the 1980s. She spent most of her teaching years at Adams Memorial High School, where she taught general business, stenography, typing, and economics and law. She was also Director of the Student Exchange Committee and Cheerleading Advisor. Simultaneously, she attended Southern Vermont College and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration in 1975.  

In the late '70s she became one of the first women stockbrokers in the United States. She also owned and operated rental properties in North Adams for over 40 years. She was a lifetime member of Saint Anthony’s Church, a CCD teacher and a member of the Rosary Society.

Although Eleanor was an accomplished woman, her greatest achievement was that she was a mentor to many as a wise, kind, and loving mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, aunt, educator and friend to all who knew her. People that were touched by Eleanor loved her dearly. She will be greatly missed by all.

Eleanor leaves her daughter Leanora Cilento, her son-in law Dr. Bartley Cilento Jr., her granddaughters Elizabeth and Audrey Cilento of Canton, Mass.; her daughter Celeste Bolte, her son-in-law Todd Bolte, and her granddaughters Celena and Adriana Bolte of North Adams; her beloved nieces and nephews; and her four-legged companions, Frisky and Kirby.

Funeral notice: The funeral for Eleanor Guidi will be Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 9 a.m. from Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapel, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church. Burial will follow in Southview cemetery.

Calling hours are Friday, July 8, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made through the funeral home to Elder Services of Berkshire County and HospiceCare in The Berkshires.