Helen Mountford ELY

ELY, Helen Mountford

Helen Mountford Ely, wife of Lt. General William Ely, Retired, died peacefully in the Health Care Center at Abbey Delray South on March 25, 2014. Born in Newport, RI on September 17, 1913, she saw much of the world in her one hundred years of life. She was the daughter of an Army officer, was married to an Army officer for 74 years, and was the mother of three sons, all of whom served in the Army. She attended many schools, including the University of Hawaii and Katherine Gibbs School in New York City. She was a remarkable lady. Helping people; making friends; analyzing food preparation, dress and decor; playing bridge; aiding three sons and their families; always busy with thoughts or deeds. She loved art and antiques and sewed and knitted most of her life, making a patchwork quilt, hundreds of golf club covers, baby caps and other items. She also enjoyed gardening and watching things grow. She had tremendous interest in sports. Skillful in golf, tennis and bowling, she won a number of championships. She knew baseball, football and basketball and spent innumerable hours watching them on television with her husband. In her one hundred years, she was involved in setting up some thirty different households. She accepted the challenges, made new friends and became involved with community affairs and the needs of her three sons. She was an active Episcopalian, starting each day by reading a morning lesson and attending Sunday church whenever possible. During their frequent assignments in Washington, D.C. she served as a guide at the Washington National Cathedral. Through the crocheting and sale of golf club covers and other fund raising activities, she was a continuous supporter of the Cathedral. She is survived by her husband of seventy-four years, Lt. General William J. Ely; their three sons, William J. Ely, Jr. of San Antonio, TX, Richard M. Ely of Carmel, CA and Robert R. Ely of Wilmington, NC; and six wonderful grandchildren. Services will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. Donations in lieu of flowers may be given to the Washington National Cathedral or the Girl Scouts of the Nation's Capital. www.boyntonmemorial.com

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