Eleanor Gailey

In Loving Memory of Eleanor Gailey

It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Eleanor Gailey, of Littleton, Colorado. Eleanor is mourned by her beloved husband Stephen Lee of Littleton, Colorado; her brother Adam Gailey of Troy, New York; her parents Mary Ellen (Meg) Gailey and Timothy Gailey, of Lincoln, Massachusetts; her mother-in-law Sherri Landrum of Brownwood, Texas; by her aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews, by friends, and colleagues who worked with her through her years of dedicated service. Eleanor made and kept close friendships throughout her life, with treasured friends who remained close even when continents apart.

Eleanor was born on May 6, 1978 in Boston. She spent her childhood in Lincoln, Massachusetts, and Isle au Haut, Maine. She graduated from The Winsor School and the Georgetown School of Foreign Service, where she was an avid varsity rower. She earned a Master of Science Degree in Forensic Science from George Washington University, before entering on a remarkable career as a Special Agent for the Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General Criminal Investigative Service. For many years she lived and worked out of Washington, D.C., and served two tours deployed in Afghanistan.

Eleanor was admired and respected by her peers. She handled difficult assignments in ways that made those around her value her involvement. Her intelligence and dedication, her ethics and her successes were commended by her colleagues and superiors alike. She was presented with the Meritorious Civilian Service Award from the DOD Office of the Inspector General, as well as many other recognitions. She was a trailblazer for women in her field.

In recent years she lived her dream of moving to Denver, where she met and fell in love with Stephen Lee. They married and settled in Littleton, Colorado. She loved the outdoors, and enjoyed hiking, skiing, camping and traveling with Stephen in all four seasons. She was also a creative and enthusiastic cook, and always loved trying new recipes. Her cakes and cupcakes were works of art.

Eleanor continued her career with the Defense Department until the end, through a painful illness, until her life was cut short at the age of 45.

Eleanor will always live with us in happy and proud memories.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to friendsofcharliesplace.org, or the charity of your choice.