Eleanor Veale

Eleanor “Ellie” Veale of Manchester, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, at the age of 94, surrounded by her family and the caring staff at River Woods Manchester.

Born on March 6, 1932, in Everett, Massachusetts, to Harry and Margaret (Gerrie) Beats, Ellie grew up with her sister Margaret and brother Jim. She spent cherished summers in Marblehead on Naugus Head, where she developed a lifelong love for the ocean, swimming, and fishing alongside her father. Proud of her Scottish heritage, she visited family in Scotland whenever she could.

In 1956, Ellie met her husband Russell on an Old North Church ski trip to Cranmore Mountain in North Conway, New Hampshire. Their shared love of skiing and the mountains led to many trips on the ski train, where they learned from renowned Austrian instructors. They married in 1959 and raised their three sons, Jim, Rob, and David, in Marblehead. Ellie was deeply involved in her community as a Boy Scout and Cub Scout den mother, a member of the Boosters Club, and a devoted host of team dinners. She proudly attended every one of her sons’ games and placed family above all else.

Summers were spent at Pine Knoll Campground in Albany, New Hampshire, where she supported her boys on hikes in the White Mountains, floats down the Saco River, and days at Lake Iona. Ellie laughed easily, enjoyed playing dominoes, and took great delight in her grandchildren, rarely missing their sporting events, dance recitals, or graduations.

In retirement, Ellie and Russell returned to North Conway, where they became active in the Mount Washington Valley community. Their home served as an early gathering place for Jen’s Friends Cancer Foundation, and they volunteered with the organization for many years. They also brought joy to families as chefs on the Polar Express, singing Christmas carols with enthusiasm. Ellie loved golfing with friends at Eagle Mountain and throughout northern New England, earning the nickname “Tee-Ellie” for her habit of using a tee off the fairway. She volunteered with the Chamber of Commerce and looked forward to “testing” local attractions and restaurants to help visitors.

Above all, Ellie cherished the family gatherings each year between Christmas and New Year’s, when the house overflowed with loved ones, every chair was filled, and the good china and silver were brought out. She was happiest watching her family sled, play games, and share meals together.

Ellie passed just twelve days after her beloved husband Russell, a testament to their enduring bond. She was predeceased by her sister Margaret Cross, brother Jim, and daughter-in-law Nancy. She is survived by her sons Jim, Rob, and David; daughters-in-law Lisa and Maria; grandchildren Keith, Nick, Matt, Michael, Ben, Elizabeth, and Annabel; great-grandchildren Joseph, Zach, Miriam, and Charlie; and several nieces and nephews.