Eleanor Jean Dunlap Clay
February 28, 1943 – November 27, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Eleanor Clay, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, on Wednesday, November 27th. She entered peacefully into the Lord’s presence, comforted by the love of her family, with her daughter at her bedside at Granite VNA Hospice House in Concord, New Hampshire.

Born to Charles Windsor Dunlap and Marjorie Caswell Dunlap (both deceased) on February 28, 1943 in Attleboro, Massachusetts, Ellie was primarily raised in Ashland and Holderness, NH, graduating from Ashland High School and relocating to Plymouth for the majority of her adult years until moving in with her daughter’s family in Hopkinton in 2018. She lived a life dedicated to her faith, family, and community. A devoted member of her church, Ellie was known for her unwavering trust in God, her generous spirit, and her love for others, especially children and those less fortunate. She touched countless lives, embodying the grace and compassion of Christ, by volunteering with and being an active member of numerous community organizations in addition to opening her home to an astounding 72 foster children and others in need of refuge, many of whom she kept close contact with over the years, considering and treating them as her own children.

Ellie married Gordon Douglas Clay amid a blizzard on December 17, 1961, a marriage of fierce loyalty that spanned five decades, nearly 53 years, until Gordon’s passing in 2014. They built a home filled with faith and joy, raising five children, including their two biological sons, Douglas and Timothy, and three adopted children, Robert, William (deceased), and Jennifer. As a family, they took countless camping trips, the source of many of their lifelong friendships. Ellie never lost her sense of adventure, taking her first flight at the tender age of 80, after declaring for decades, “if God wanted me to fly, He would have given me wings.” At long last, Ellie has her wings, and her family is comforted knowing she continues to watch over them from her Heavenly home with Gordon back by her side.

In addition to her four living children and their spouses, Ellie is survived by her older sister, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, and a multitude of cherished family, friends, and siblings in Christ.

Calling hours will be held from 6:00-8:00pm on Tuesday, December 3rd at Dupuis Funeral Home, 11 Hill Avenue, Ashland, NH. A funeral service will begin at 11:00am on Thursday, December 5th followed by a reception at the Campton Baptist Church, 1345 Main Street, Campton, NH. Donations in Ellie’s name may be made to CASA of New Hampshire.