Elinor Stuart (Taylor) Hough died peacefully March21 surrounded by loved ones and in the familiar comforts of her own home. She was a life-long member of Little Compton, RI community.
“Ellie” was born November 10, 1926, the youngest child of Rachel and Dr. Harold Taylor of Little Compton. She grew up on the boats and beaches of Little Compton with her older brothers Den and Bob Taylor and under the playful yet watchful eye of Verena Middletown (“Aunt Bee”). After attending Dwight School & Sweetbriar College, she returned to RI and married her husband of 51 years, William Henry Hough. Together they raised their five children (and many golden retrievers) between Wrentham Massachusetts and Little Compton.
Ellie was an active volunteer in numerous organizations throughout her life. Ellie’s greatest passion was gardening. She was happiest with her hands in the dirt planting, tending and sharing the joys of gardening. She was an active member of the Little Compton Garden Club, volunteered in the Blithewold gardens, Wilbour’s Woods, and helped create the Wandering Garden at the Little Compton Wellness Center. She held leadership roles with the Ladies Committee at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts where she volunteered in many events, openings, and exhibits. She believed strongly in the protection of our natural environment and was a member of the Sakonnet Preservation Association and NatureConservancy. She helped launch Stay-At-Home Little Compton helping older residents of Little Compton remain in their homes as long as possible. As a member of the Sakonnet Golf Club, Ellie played golf well into her eighties. She loved to travel and was always eager for an adventure near or far. She shared her warmth, thoughtfulness and caring manner with those of all ages. To the very end of her life, Ellie focused on the wellbeing of others before her own.
Elinor is survived by her two sons, Mark Hough (Little Compton) and Thomas Hough (Arnold, MD) and two daughters “Suki” Thompson (Litchfield, ME) and Brenda Hough-Hopkins (Petoskey, MI). She is beloved “Mimi” or “Gram” to eight grandchildren (Nathan, John, Taylor, Jenny, Rachel, Alden, Randy, and Finn), five great grandchildren (Samuel, Eloise, Hazel, Lily, Audrey and another two due this summer) as well as nieces and nephews. Ellie’s home was the joyful gathering place for multiple generations. She will be missed by us all.
Elinor was preceded in death by her husband William Henry in 1998, and youngest son Henry Sayles (“Hap”) in 1984.
Friends and relatives are invited to attend a memorial celebration of Elinor’s life at The United Congregational Church in Little Compton, RI on May 7 at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Ellie’s name to Hospice Services of Newport & Bristol Counties – 1184 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.