STEWART – Eleanor “Ellie” Mary (Donlan) 90 of East Dennis died peacefully Thursday June 2, 2016 at the McCarthy Care Center in Sandwich, after a period of declining health.

Ellie was born in Lowell to the late James Joseph and Mary (Dickson) Donlan. She was raised in Park Ridge, IL with her five brothers. Her mother tragically died when she was only 7, but with love and care from her family, she was raised to be a strong, courageous, loving woman.

Ellie graduated from Immaculate Conception High School, in Elmhurst IL in 1944 and attended Clark College in Dubuque IA.

In 1946 she moved back to Massachusetts where she met the love of her life, David H. Stewart. They married in 1949 and lived in Wellesley before settling in Needham, where they raised four children. Ellie, while raising her children, became active in many Needham organizations. She was a charter member of the Postcomers Club of Needham. Ellie was the president of the Needham Community Theatre for three years and loved acting, singing and dancing in their many productions. Most of all she loved the friendships that she made in the twelve years she was a member. She was also a member of St. Joseph’s Church. Her greatest joy in life was raising her children and being a wife.

In 1969, Dave and Ellie bought their first house in East Dennis. This was the beginning of a lifelong love of Cape Cod. They retired to East Dennis in 1988. Once settled, Ellie did what she loved and got involved with organizations. She became an active member of Our Lady of the Cape Church in Brewster, where she was a member of the Ladies Guild, volunteered at the Thrift Shop and sang at the 4 p.m. Mass on Saturday.

Needing to know as much as she could about how to garden on Cape Cod, she joined the Village Garden Club of Dennis. Ellie also enjoyed playing bridge with her many friends.

One thing everyone knew about Ellie was her love of the beach. In the summer you could be guaranteed to find her sitting in her circle of friends on Little Beach (Harborview) on Sesuit Neck. She made Little Beach the place where each of her grandchildren would first set their toes in the ocean.

Ellie will be remembered for her love of God and her deep faithfulness. She made it a point to always reach out to people and draw them into her world of love. As she loved, so she was loved.

Ellie is survived by a daughter Nancy Stewart Wallroth and her husband, Don of East Dennis; and three sons, Rev. David H. Stewart and his wife, Helen of Franklin, John B. Stewart and his wife, Susan of Merrimack, NH, and Douglas J. Stewart of East Dennis. Doug was his Mom’s primary caregiver for the last five years of her life. Without Doug’s devotion and love, Ellie would have not been able to spend those years in her home. His sister and brothers will be forever grateful for the gift he gave her. Ellie is also survived by ten grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; and two brothers. In addition to her husband, who died in 2001 and her parents, Ellie was predeceased by three brothers.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday June 8 in Our Lady of the Cape Church, 468 Stony Brook Rd., Brewster.

Interment will be private.

As an expression of sympathy. memorial contributions may be made to the Our Lady of the Cape Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1799, Brewster, MA 02631 or to the Cape Cod Healthcare Foundation for Cape Cod Hospital, P.O. Box 370, Hyannis, MA 02601.

I am so sorry for your loss. May the 'God of all comfort' be with you during this difficult time. I have personally found comfort in the promise at 1 Corinthians 15:26 where it states that very soon 'death will be brought to nothing'. Then, we have the prospect of being reunited with our loved ones right here on earth (John 5:28,29). I truly hope this has brought you comfort and hope. With deepest sympathies, Gracin and family.

Ellie and I enjoyed a chat now and then when departing from Mass at Our Lady of the Cape Church. Recently, she was escorted by her devoted son. She always looked crisp and pretty. I will miss seeing her. May she rest in peace. My sympathy to Doug and the family.

The Stewart family should be proud to have a mother like her , she was a true Christian that brought up her family under the watchful eye of the LORD . she will be missed but will be in god's kingdom now . Sorry for your loss. Jack & Joan Costa