Eleanor (Conant) Saunders

Westbrook- Eleanor Conant Saunders, 94, passed away November 22 at her home in Westbrook. She was born at home, the middle daughter to Percy and Eva Laidlaw Conant on March 24, 1920. She was a direct descendent of brothers Samuel and Joseph Conant, who were the first permanent settlers of Saccarappa, later Westbrook. She attended Westbrook Schools. Ellie was active in the old Westbrook Congregational Church. Her ancestors were founders and builders of that church. She served as deaconess, teacher, on the ladiesâ€™ guild and on many committees, and as the first church historian. She and her sisters sang in the church choir. She served on the boards of the Westbrook Nursing Association, Westbrook Community Hospital, Eunice Frye Home, and Westbrook Historical Society. She was a founder and a director of that society. Ellie was asked to form a business and professional womenâ€™s group. The first organizational meeting was held in her home. She served on the cityâ€™s 100th Anniversary Celebration Committee. She was church liaison for Westbrook Congregational Church during the formation of a Senior Citizenâ€™s group. Though too young to join, she served as secretary until the election of officers. She, with the help of Wesley McKague and John Marcellino, created the Whitney Rose Garden which she has sponsored for many years. She served as the chair of the Maine Sesquicentennial Celebration for Westbrook. She received a plaque and recognition dinner for her involvement in the bicentennial celebration of Westbrook. Ellie created a large collection of Westbrook memorabilia. She enjoyed opera and gardening. Ellie and her sisters worked as dental assistants. She married Donald K. Saunders in 1958. He was the light of her life. He passed away in 1994. She was proud to be honored as the Grand Marshal of the Westbrook Together Days Parade in 2007. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, and sisters: Esther Conant Smith and husband Jesse, Nathalie Conant Corrigan and husband Harry E. Corrigan Jr. She leaves nephew Robert Corrigan and wife Jackie, nephew Michael Corrigan, niece Kathleen Longenecker and husband Malcolm, and niece Marcia Gilmore and husband Rev. Charles Gilmore. Among her special friends are Dawn and Richard Finnerty, Nancy True, Greta Wallace, Suzan Norton, Diane Dyer, and Linda Grover. The family wishes to thank the staffs of Home Instead and the Gorham House for their excellent care and compassion. Private services will be held with interment in the Conant Burial Grounds. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. On line condolences may be expressed at blaisandhayfuneralhome.com.