Elena F. Means

Elena F. (Petrous) Means, of Westwood passed away on February 27, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving family. After a long and courageous battle with mesothelioma, Elena is now resting peacefully in Heaven. Born in Boston on May 27, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Antoinette M. “Nina” (Schepis) and Nicholas W. Petrous. Pre-deceased by her brothers William and Paul Petrous, and grandson Owen Higgins. She is survived by her brother Francis Petrous and his wife Patricia of Plymouth. Beloved mother of daughter Maria and her husband Michael Higgins of Rochester, daughter Lisa Loomis and fiancé Paul White of Wareham, daughter Nanette Freiberger and her children Dominic and Allisa Freiberger of Westwood and first husband and lifelong friend Lyle J Freiberger of Mashpee. Elena was “G-Ma” to many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and one great, great grandchild. She was also loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. 

Elena grew up in South Boston and proudly graduated from Cardinal Cushing High School where she met some of her lifelong friends. Wanting the best for her children, Elena made the big move to the suburb of Westwood in 1970. With her daughters off to school, she then embarked on jobs in the community. Elena worked as a bookkeeper at Westwood Lodge, hostess at Foxhill Village, and lunch lady at Hanlon School. Traveling to Maine every summer was her favorite destination, where she could have endless lobster and good times with close friends. Elena had many interests, but none that could surpass being with her family. Pride for her grandchildren could always be seen on her face when attending birthdays, sporting events, recitals, school activities, etc. Elena’s home and heart was always open to an ever-growing family for dinner or a place to stay. Her presence will be profoundly missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours in the Holden, Dunn, and Lawler Funeral Home, 55 High Rock Street, Westwood on Friday, March 7th from 4-7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday morning, March 8th at 10am in St. Denis Church, 157 Washington St., Westwood. Following the Mass, interment will be at New Westwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elena’s memory to Jimmy Fund https://www.dana-farber.org/how-you-can-help/ways-to-give/make-a-memorial-or-tribute-gift or the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation https://curemeso.salsalabs.org/donationform .