Eleanor Frances Molleson

ELEANOR FRANCES MOLLESON (nee Pompili), of Southampton, NY, passed away on December 19, 2017 in Cleveland, OH after a brief illness. Eleanor was the beloved daughter of the late Ernesto and Palma Pompili and the younger sister of the late Flora, Sergo and Nello Pompili. She was born in Cleveland, OH on March 23, 1928.  She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1954 and specialized in ceramics, silversmithing and jewelry craft. Eleanor was one of the first recipients of the Cleveland Institute of Art, President's Traveling Scholarship, Agnes Gund award and the first female to receive this prestigious award. During her early career, her ceramic pieces were displayed in a juried exhibit at the Cleveland Art Museum May Shows from 1951-1954.  She used her scholarship to travel extensively through Italy. Her ceramic pottery pieces have been displayed in numerous art museums around the country including her beloved Cleveland Museum of Art.  She moved to New York City after her travels and began a career at Tiffany and Company where she was an artistic director. Eleanor married John Molleson in 1984 and resided in Southampton, NY. She was a beloved aunt to five nieces and eight nephews as well as many grand nieces and nephews.  Eleanor's positive outlook on life, her love for others and her zest for living leaves a lasting legacy.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cleveland Institute of Art in memory of Eleanor Pompili Molleson '51, 11610 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106 or online at www.cia.edu/give .  Mass of Christian Burial at St. Columbkille Church, Thursday, December 28, 2017 at 10 a.m. Interment Calvary Cemetery.  Friends received at RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME, 5762 PEARL RD. (AT SNOW RD.), WEDNESDAY 4-8 P.M.