Ella Goodfellow (Garbut) Macdonald of Mystic, died on Thanksgiving morning at Mary Elizabeth Nursing Center.
Ella could be described as a truly selfless and generous individual. Her concern was always for the other person even if it put her at some inconvenience. She tried never to let anyone down if something was promised.
She was certainly not materialistic. She came from a time when one made do with what one had. If something broke you didn't buy new, you repaired. You could say she was thrifty, but she was born in Brechin, northern Scotland and lived through the difficult times of two world wars and a depression. She was recycling long before it became the thing to do, and after coming to America in 1947, she always was horrified at the waste there was in America. She thought it wrong, the disposable society that she found here. She had very definite ideas of right and wrong.
Even though she did become an American citizen, Ella was a true "Britisher" and very devoted to the Royal Family. When the Queen would give her Christmas address to the world, Ella would be making her trifle for the Christmas dinner. Her family always said it tasted salty from her tears. The song "God Save the Queen" touched her greatly.
As a youth, she worked in banking an law firms and had a great vocabulary due to using the formal Victorian documents of the day. Also, she performed highland dancing and taught the beloved dances of her homeland at various functions here. She had a life long interest in film stars of the golden age of movies and beautiful music. A marvelous classical work could reduce her to tears. She took care of her older sister during the last years of her sister's life, and attended the Union Baptist Church in Mystic, giving devoted service there for over 50 years. Simple pleasures were what she enjoyed most. Having a picnic, especially at the beach, gave her great contentment. The best gift she could receive was a bar of chocolate.
Ella was a very strong woman both mentally and physically. She broke both hips at age 96, yet she was able to get up walking again with a walker. The doctor was astounded. She and her husband, Archibald Douglas, were married for 49 years and had a close and caring relationship. They were well matched, supporting each other through the years of thick and thin. Her husband respected her immensely, calling her a woman of high principles and character. She certainly was all that.
She is survived by her daughter, Pamela Cannon of Mystic.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 10am at Union Baptist Church, Mystic. Burial will follow in Elm Grove Cemetery. Donations in Ella's memory may be made to Union Baptist Church, 119 High Street, Mystic. The Dinoto Funeral Home, 17 Pearl Street, Historic downtown Mystic is assisting the family.
To send an online condolence/remembrance to her family, please click the link below.