Eleanor May Christie

Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on November 4, 1938, she was the daughter of Violet May Watson and William H. Watson. Eleanor was a graduate of Classical High School in Springfield, Massachusetts. She married the late John Corbet Tarbell II in 1960, and they made their home in East Longmeadow, MA. After John’s passing in 1969, Ellie later married Warren Hamilton, and subsequently, Charles Sumner Christie.

Ellie served as president of JC Tarbell Associates from 1969 through the 1990s, but her true passion was caring for her family, her home, and her gardens. She expressed her creativity in many forms, including crewel needlepoint, Nantucket lightship basket weaving, stenciling, home décor, and gardening. A devoted member of the Chatham Garden Club, Eleanor shared her love of cultivating beautiful spaces and built many treasured friendships through her involvement there.

Known for her straightforward personality, warmth, and generosity of spirit, Ellie had a gift for making others feel valued and special. She cherished time spent in conversation with family, friends, and caregivers, and remained mentally sharp and engaged until her final days.

Ellie is survived by her three children: Peter and Kathryn Tarbell of Centerville, Ohio; John and Lesley Tarbell of Monson, Massachusetts; and Alison Tarbell of Sudbury, Massachusetts. She is also survived by ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A service celebrating Ellie’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Nickerson Funeral Home in Chatham. A luncheon will follow at the Chatham Wayside Inn. Those planning to attend the luncheon are kindly asked to contact Alison Tarbell at (617) 372-5235 or [email protected].

Internment will take place in Springfield, Massachusetts, in the spring, at the convenience of the family