Eleanor Arnold Fraser

daughters by her side on January 24, 2021. Born and raised in Brookline, Massachusetts, she

is remembered for her grace, radiance, and hospitable, loving manner.

A Bostonian at heart, Ellie was proud of her New England heritage dating back to the 1700’s.

Her father, Norman Augustus Arnold, was an opera singer in Boston and he encouraged Ellie’s

love of music from a young age. She sang in many choral groups in Boston from youth until her

20’s. Her mother, May Elva Arnold, would welcome Ellie’s friends to their home for evenings of

music and fun. Ellie learned this graciousness from her mother and was known by all for her kindness, welcoming demeanor and nurturing ways.

Upon graduating Brookline High School and during the early years of World War II, Ellie began

a career in customer service at Sears Roebuck in Boston. The year 1946 would change the

direction of Ellie’s life. She met a handsome Naval officer, David Ladson Fraser from Spartanburg,

South Carolina, during a dance at the Officers Club on the Boston Commons. After a

courtship of correspondence, they were married in Boston on August 6, 1949. Leaving her devoted

mother and aspirations of a singing career behind, Ellie and David honeymooned on a

cross country trip to California where David had begun his career in Yacht Brokerage. Ellie’s

Bostonian habit of wearing her hat and gloves along the streets of Corona del Mar caused

quite a stir in the quiet beach community.

Ellie and David settled in the Cliff Haven Community in 1951 and would remain in their home

for 70 years. While David built his business Fraser Yachts, Ellie raised three daughters and became

active in the growing community of Newport Beach. She was an early member of St. Andrews

Presbyterian Church where she inspired many through the choir with her beautiful soprano

voice. She was also a member of the Newport Harbor Service League, which sponsored

community programs through volunteer efforts at the Coffee Garden at Sherman Gardens in

Corona del Mar. These women were instrumental in the transformation of the Service League

into the Junior League of Orange County. Her Service League friendships remained strong well

into Ellie’s 90’s with the women forming a Garden Club and an Investment Club in which Ellie

remained active.

Many girls in the Newport Heights community were lucky enough to have Ellie as their Brownie

and Girl Scout leader for troops 23, 28 and 48. She was an adored favorite mother to so many

kids who were fortunate to grow up in Newport Beach from the mid 1950’s through the 1970’s.

After raising her family, Ellie returned to retail life, enjoying many years in the Personnel and

Human Resources Department at Robinsons in Newport Beach. She also pursued her New

England heritage and became an active member of the Colonel William Cabell Chapter of the

DAR in Newport Beach. One of her other favorite philanthropies was her patronage of the

Decorative Arts Society.

Ellie enjoyed many years traveling overseas with David for his business and yachting endeavors,

which included many cruising opportunities around the world. She also treasured 65 years

of friendships made at the Newport Harbor Yacht Club. Her favorite pastime, however, was

simply being together with her family at home.

Ellie is predeceased by her husband David Ladson Fraser, who passed away on January 6,

2021. She is survived by three daughters Laurie Booth (Barry) of Newport Beach, Diane Strollo

(Rick) of Orcas Island and Jennie Heinke (Keith) of Newport Beach. She also leaves four grandchildren

Jeannette Palisoul (Phil) of Costa Mesa, Diane Booth of Las Vegas, Hilary Elliott (Rob)

of Dallas, Emily Heinke of Seattle and two great grandchildren.

Ellie was the finest example of a loving, caring mother, teaching the importance of family unity.

She is greatly missed and her passing has left a huge void in the hearts of her family. A small

family memorial is planned at a later date.