Eleanor Elizabeth (nee Downs) Dunn died on Thursday, March 4th, 2021 at the age of 97. Ellie was the wife of the late William Joseph Dunn Sr., with whom she shared 43 years of marriage.
Born in Newark, N.J., she was the daughter of the late William T. Downs and Emma K. Walter. Deceased also are her brother Ralph and sister Margaret.
She has two sons, William Jr. and his wife Wanda of South Carolina and Donald and his wife Valeria of Downingtown. Four grandchildren, Dakota, Derek, Gregory, and Andrew. Five great-grandchildren, Caiden, Dylan, Nathan, Avery, and Adriana. Nephews Ronald Bruguiere of Los Angeles and Peter Bruguiere of Shrewsbury, N.J. Many more nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.
Ellie was employed for 30 years as a school bus driver in the West Chester School District retiring in 1979 from the Krapf Bus Company. She delivered Meals on Wheels and also volunteered at the Coatesville Hospital and later known as the Brandywine Hospital since 1975.
She was a life member of the Sharon Hill Fire Company Auxiliary, an active member of Senior Circle, TOPS, Chester County Marine Corps Auxiliary, and Caln Privilege Citizens. As a resident of Caln Township, she made weekend phone calls to check on other seniors in Caln Township.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wilde Funeral Home of Parkesburg. Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com
Condolences
Eleanor, I weep with sadness
Eleanor, I weep with sadness as I write these words, but love fills my heart for all those exciting moments we shared.
In 1941, when I was five and a half, you taught me how to jitterbug as I helped or hindered decorating Central High School’s gym for dance night.
When May’s Decoration Day weekend rolled around, you, Gran (your Mom), my Mother, and I drove to Ocean Grove for that holiday. You and I were seated in Mon’s 1935 Ford Convertible’s rumble seat. There, we’d ride bikes on the Boardwalk.
As I aged to 8 and 9, you and Gran took me on a trolley, then to a steam-engine train, and when we got off, we got on a ferry that took us across the Hudson River to New York City. We’d see movies and stage shows at the Roxy and Radio City Music Hall and eat at the Automat or The Brass Rail. Also, we attended radio broadcasts like “Let’s Pretend” and “The Perry Como Show.”
Eleanor, you inspired my career in show business, and I am grateful.
Laughter was always around us. I will miss our daily phone calls and yearly visits.
You brought joy, creativeness, and inspiration into my life. Thank you.
I am a cousin, grand nephew of Emma Walters Downs.
To Eleanor's family, so sorry to learn of your loss. Eleanor had a good, long life and served others with love. - Jack and Elsa Hyde, Holland, MI
Thank you
John and Elsa, Thank you very much and thank you for staying in touoch over the years. She was a very special woman and cared deeply for her family and friends. Take care. Wanda and Bill
Sorry to hear the passing of
Sorry to hear the passing of Ellie. I know Ellie a long time from Sue Beauty Salon when she stop driving I would stop at her house in Thorndale and take her to get her hair done every Saturday and after that a few of ladies would go out for lunch. What a great time . And she would call me her little sister because we had the same last name DUNN . She was a wonderful person and I will miss her. Rest In Peace My friend
NEIGHBORS FROM THE VERY BEGINNING OF EDGE LANE
WE HAVE MISSED YOU AND ALWAYS WILL. How beautiful you are in the picture and always laughing. I have missed you and always will. seeing you going some place like Bingo. Your friend Sara your neighbor. I am here for you ALWAYS. NOW GOD HAS YOU IN HIS HANDS.
Great nephew
Aunt Ellie-
I miss you already. I enjoyed dropping off your beloved jelly donuts from Dunkin Donuts, and of course regular Coca Cola. You were always laughing and smiling, and you fostered my love of the yellow school bus, I am driving 28 years now. You took me to my first school bus driving competition. I remember the days when I was a supervisor at Krapf's and you would come pick me up for our monthly lunch meetings, I know you enjoyed coming back to the office and seeing your old friends, everyone did, and still does speak highly of you. You were always faithful and visited my grandmother, even when she developed Alzheimers, you remained a faithful visitor, and familiar smile. I never forgot that. So many of us will miss you, you were always laughing and smiliing, and that is how I will always remember you.
Michael
Thank you
Michael, Thank you very much for your kind words. You and Ellie had a very special bond and she was so happy to see you and spend time with you. We pray you continue to battle and remain as healthy as possible. Always in our thoughts and prayers. Wanda and Bill
Aunt Ellie
Words cannot express how deeply saddened we are about Aunt Ellie. She was the person you could always count on to be at any important life moment especially for her great niece Courtney. From confirmations(which Uncle Bill was Courtney's sponsor) to a 16th suprise birthday trip to NYC for Courtney to see Le Miserabes and the infamous Stsge Door Deli numerous trips with my dad and her to spend a few days at Edge Lane and always a trip to Dutch Wonderland etc etc. In 2008 she made the trip up to Maine for Courtney and Eric's wedding which was so much fun. She had such a good time and always the life of the party. Three years ago we felt we needed to make a trip to see her .she got to meet Sloane and Henry and go to her restaurant of choice Applebee's !!!
We are so blessed to have had this amazing role model person in our lives..No matter what she was handed she did it in stride You will always be such a special person to us .we will,love you always❤️ Susan Dunn Fisher