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Born Nov. 14, 1926, in Norwalk, she was the daughter of the late Fredrick L.B. and Edna (Hess) Haase. Ely was the valedictorian for the class of 1944 at Robert E. Fitch High School in Groton, Conn., and attended the Traphagan School of Design in New York City. Before starting a family, she worked for Conde Nast Publications in Greenwich, sketching Vogue fashion patterns.
She was a member of Our Sister’s Rebekah Lodge and taught Sunday school at Grace Episcopal Church in Norwalk for many years. Known for her creativity, she was a sought-after seamstress and avid quilter. She also worked as a bank teller at Connecticut National Bank. She retired to the Eastern Shore of Maryland with her husband in 1987 and was active in the Women’s Club and Heartland Quilt Club of Denton, Md., and Bayside Quilter’s Club in Easton, Md., before moving back to Norwalk in 2009.
Her brothers, Fredrick and Irving Haase, predeceased her.
She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Ely Pearson, and her husband, John, of Norwalk; her son, David Clark Ely, and his wife, Caroline, of Berkeley, Calif.; two grandchildren; a sister-in-law; and 10 nieces and nephews.
A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, March 15, at 3 p.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 36 New Canaan Road, Wilton. The family will receive guests prior to the service beginning at 2:30 p.m. Interment will be private at Riverside Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to Notre Dame Convalescent Home, 76 West Rocks Road, Norwalk, CT 06851 or
the Alzheimer’s Association, 607 Main Ave., Norwalk, CT 06851.
To leave online condolences, visit the Collins Funeral Home here.
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