Harriet Woodman Ely, 90, of 20 Academy Lane, Mystic, passed away suddenly Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at her home.
She was born on March 24, 1921 in Boston, MA, the daughter of Willard Paine and Eleanor Williamson Woodman.
She was married to the late Atwood Collins Ely.
She is survived by her children: Jonathan W. Ely and his wife, Caroline; Eleanor Ely Bell and her husband, Robert; Marion Ely Paul and her husband, Harry; Richard P. Ely and his wife, Laura; and her six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A devoted mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, she was liked by all who knew her.
Harriet graduated from Dana Hall and attended Skidmore College. In her early years, Harriet worked as Manager of the Guest Relations Dept. of NBC in New York City. She was a former trustee and dedicated choir member at the Mystic Congregational Church and was active in the National Society of the Colonial Dames. She served on the boards of the Child and Family Service Agency, Mystic River Historical Society, Mystic-Noank Library, and the New London Garden Club. She was an interpreter and wrote for the Public Affairs Dept. at the Mystic Seaport, volunteered with the Patient Relations Dept. of Lawrence and Memorial Hospital for 33 years, was a Resident Advocate for the CT Social Service Dept. and Chaplain for the Mystic Hook & Ladder Auxiliary.
The family will be holding a private celebration of her life in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mystic-Noank Library in her memory.
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