Eleanor Seely Stilwell, age 84 of Indiana, passed away Wednesday, July 18, 2018 at West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, with her loving family at her side.
She was born in 1934 in Fairdale, PA to Orlo and Marion Carter Seely.
She attended Mansfield State Teachers College and graduated in 1956 with a degree in Music Education. Mansfield was also where she met her husband Merle Stilwell. They married in 1955 and moved to Long Island, NY. She began her professional career as an elementary music teacher in the South Huntington school district on Long Island where she taught until starting their family.
They moved to Ithaca NY in 1965 and to Indiana PA in 1967 where they have lived since. She was an active member of Grace United Methodist church where she and Merle sang in the Chancel Choir for 50 years. She also served in many other roles within the church.
Eleanor’s hobbies included quilting, basket weaving, piano teaching and bringing joy to others. She especially enjoyed the many dogs who were her faithful companions.
After Merle retired, they traveled to many places. The trip that eclipsed them all was the family cruise to Bermuda to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.
Her children, grandchildren and friends across the country brought her great joy. In turn, the joy she brought to them will carry on forever.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Merle; one son, Colonel Douglas Stilwell, USMC (Retired), and wife Deborah of Fredericksburg, VA; one daughter, Wendy Stilwell Boehme and husband Les of Murfreesboro, TN; and three grandchildren, Heather Stilwell, Brian Stilwell and wife Brianna, and Emily Stilwell, all of Pittsburgh. She is also survived by two brothers, Giles Seely and wife Janie of Tucson, AZ; and Claude Seely and wife Nancy of Coudersport.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Friends and family will be received on Sunday from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 P.M. at the Bowser-Minich Funeral Home, Indiana. A funeral service will be held on Monday at 2 P.M. at the Grace United Methodist Church with Pastors William Blair, Kathy Mihoerck, and Dennis Marshall officiating. Interment will be private.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Traditional Music Fund, Grace United Methodist Church, 712 Church St., Indiana, PA 15701.
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