Eleanor Curtiss Ellert passed away on February 23, 2024, at the young age of 96. She was born in Norfolk, in 1927 to Albert H. and Elizabeth (Manville) Curtiss. Although she moved away from Norfolk during her marriage to her first husband of 14 years, she returned with her son, Clifford Bell, after her divorce. She remained in Norfolk until 1978 when she married Merwin E. Ellert, who had also been a prior resident. After their marriage, Eleanor and Merwin moved to Avon, Conn., where she continued to live until her death. 

Eleanor was a voracious reader throughout her life. She started working at the Norfolk Library as assistant librarian in 1963 and was promoted to library director in 1968. She remained with the Norfolk Library until her marriage in 1978, when she retired.

Eleanor had a deep love for the town and her family’s history in it. Her grandfather ran the livery near the town center for many years. The Curtiss name is a prominent part of Norfolk’s history, and she was very proud of her hometown. She always referred to herself as a “Damn Yankee” who came from the “Icebox of Connecticut.”

Although her first marriage ended in divorce, her life with Merwin was a good one. They spent many winters in Hawaii and Florida, and many summers at their lakeside home on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. They traveled with friends to Bermuda, the Virgin Islands, Ireland, Tahiti, New Zealand and Australia, and took car trips across Canada and the United States. Her other interests were needlework, puzzles, gardening and cooking. She led an active, independent life right up to the end.

Eleanor was predeceased by her son (Clifford Bell), her husband (Merwin Ellert) and her brother (Augustus Curtiss). She is survived by her daughter-in-law (Deborah Bell), her grandsons (Michael, Matthew and wife Krysten) and three great-grandchildren (Jayden, Audrey and Mason). Eleanor also leaves her stepdaughter (Kimberly Guerrette and husband Alan), her sister-in-law (Madeline Curtiss), nephew (Theodore Curtiss and wife Kathleen) and niece (Elizabeth Curtiss).

A private family service will be held graveside at an undetermined date. In lieu of cards or flowers, please make a donation to the Norfolk Library or the Norfolk Cemetery Association in her name.