Eleanor Natalie “Ellie” Conner


December 27, 1943 ~ January 20, 2025

Eleanor Natalie Conner, lovingly known as “Ellie” and “Bunny,” passed away peacefully on January 20, 2025, surrounded by family.  Born on December 27, 1943, in Brooklyn, NY, to Eleanor (Henigan) Yoder and Vincent Yoder, Ellie’s life was a testament to love, creativity, and dedication to family and community.

Ellie spent her childhood in Glen Rock, NJ, and graduated from Glen Rock High School before attending Cabrini College in Pennsylvania. She pursued her passions in fashion and education, working as a model and elementary school teacher. On July 23, 1966, Ellie married the love of her life, William Paul Conner, beginning a journey filled with devotion and adventure.

As a military wife, Ellie embraced frequent relocations with grace before settling in Bedford, NH, where she raised her two sons, William Sean and James Scott. A resourceful and creative mother, Ellie delighted in making every day an adventure, filling her home with arts and crafts, handmade clothing and costumes, and countless hours of support for her children’s activities. She served tirelessly as a Boy Scouts volunteer, a PTO member, and a school booster, enriching her community with her boundless energy. She also served as president of the family business, embodying both leadership and dedication.

Ellie’s commitment to her community extended into her later years, when she served on the Newmarket, NH Budget Committee, passionately advocating for the town’s values and charm.

After her children left home, Ellie discovered a passion for golf, relishing annual trips to Pinehurst, NC, and bragging about her game to anyone who would listen. But above all, Ellie’s greatest joy was her role as “Grandmom” to her six beloved grandchildren: Emma, Will, Jack, Delaney, Grant, and Brady. At the family homestead in Newmarket, Ellie created a haven for her grandchildren, teaching them arts and crafts, gardening, tractor-driving, and the beauty of New England farm life.

As a devoted “Dog Mom”, Ellie had a special bond with her black Labradors, Charlie and Stormy.   Surrounded by a family of men, she treasured her “girl time” with daughters-in-law Kerry and Jodie, as well as her granddaughters, Emma and Delaney.

After her husband’s passing and many years on the family farm, Ellie moved to Avita of Newburyport, where she found a warm and vibrant community. She was known for her hugs, her radiant smile, and her endless curiosity, always eager to connect with friends and neighbors.   Her family is grateful for the love and care she received from the staff at Avita and Compassus Hospice.

Ellie was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, William Paul Conner, her parents Eleanor and Vincent, and her brother, Brice Yoder. She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories, survived by her two sons: William Sean Conner (Kerry Kelley Conner) of Greenland, NH, and James Scott Conner (Jodie Reeber Conner) of Charlotte, NC; and her adored grandchildren: Emma, Will, Delaney, Grant, Jack, and Brady.

Ellie’s warmth, creativity, and generosity of spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.   A Memorial Mass will be held  at Saint Theresa’s in Rye Beach, NH on Saturday, February 15th, 2025 at 12:30 PM.   In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (https://curealz.org).

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1 Condolence

  1. Marty Brophy on January 28, 2025 at 6:19 pm

    She was so nice and amazing to be around, she will be dearly missed by the Brophy’s



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