Eleanor Lois Kendall

Eleanor "Ellie" Lois (Schwartz) Kendall of Brookline, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 1st at the age of 86. Eleanor was born to the late Edward and Jessie (Barone) Schwartz in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and grew up in Virginia near Washington, D.C.

Ellie attended Antioch College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in English. On a senior co-op in Boston, she met her future husband, Ernest Terry Kendall, whom she married in 1963.

Ellie dreamed of working as a counselor in schools, and earned a Master’s in Social Work at Boston University. After the birth of her two children, Ellie worked several part-time jobs in health care, then began working with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Medicaid program, where she served more than 20 years until retirement.

Ellie was warm, gracious, and had a welcoming smile for everyone she met. She had an infectious laugh and quiet dry wit that was appreciated by all who knew her. While her eyes allowed it, Ellie could be found reading the news, works of literature, and cookbooks about cuisines from all over the world. She was also an ardent fan of Judge Judy. While she was a private person, Ellie found others interesting and often shared with them her keen insight and appreciation, as well as a quote or song for every occasion.

Ellie is survived by her children Sara “Sash” (Tim Camuti) and Katherine (David Akeson), and her granddaughter Claire Kendall Akeson. She is predeceased by her parents, her brother Philip Schwartz, and her husband Terry Kendall.

The family would like to thank Linda Felix and Marelyna Andrade for the care and compassion they showed to Ellie over several years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her memory to your local Boys & Girls Club.