Eleanor M. Davis

Eleanor Margaret Davis, age 72, of Rowley, MA , died on Wednesday, November 4, 2026 at Beverly Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She is survived by her devoted wife, Chia Vitello.

Born in Cambridge, MA on November 3, 1954, she was the daughter of the late Charles B. Davis and Eleanor (Wadden) Davis. She was a graduate of Belmont High School and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree at Tufts University.

Eleanor, who often went by Ellie, began her career in early childhood development at Harvard University before starting her own daycare business in Newburyport called Circle of Friends. After a time she moved west and continued her work in Santa Fe and the San Francisco Bay Area. Following the birth of her son, she returned to Massachusetts and spent many years as grants director and manager of the women’s residence at the YMCA Greater Newburyport. She was most proud of the many programs that she started and obtained funding for. The town of Rowley was lucky to have her lead the Rowley Senior Center for the last 5 and a half years. Ellie was also a founding member of the local non-profit Nourishing the North Shore and was recently honored at their 10 year anniversary.

She was a visionary leader and mentor to many in the fields of early childhood education, family literacy, affordable housing and in the cause of social justice. She loved collaborating with others to create positive change and build community. Ellie earned the title of Ipswich-Rowley Rotary Person of the Year in 2023-24 for her untiring efforts and limitless enthusiasm.

Eleanor was an avid reader and an exceptional cook who took great pleasure in feeding people. She loved stories of all types and formats, and good conversation. She also enjoyed sewing, camping, gardening, time at the beach and being home with her family and pets. Music was a big part of her life and she enjoyed playing the piano and attending concerts both large and small. She and Chia spent many afternoons and evenings watching a wide variety of women’s sports. Ellie was a generous, kind and funny person with a ready smile and a hearty laugh.

The wonderful memories that have been shared throughout her life will always be treasured by her wife and partner of 33 years, Chia Vitello; her beloved son, Jonah Marouni-Davis and wife, Danielle Marouni-Davis of Malden, MA; her brother, Charles Davis and wife Kathy Hollenbach of San Diego, CA; sister-in-law Sherri Davis of Rancho Mirage, CA; her sisters Kathleen Davis of Amesbury, MA and Patricia Davis and husband George Johnson of Wellesley, MA; and many, many loving cousins, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brother James E. Davis.

Visiting hours will be held at Elliott, Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green St., Newburyport, MA 01950 on Friday, November 13, 2026 from 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation made in Eleanor’s name to either Nourishing the North Shore or Sweet Paws Animal Rescue, or the animal rescue of their choice.