Eleanor Mary Mander

Eleanor “Ellie” Mary Mander (née Cautley), of College Station, Texas went to be with her Lord Jesus after dying suddenly and unexpectedly in her sleep while on holiday in her native country of New Zealand, on June 12, 2017 at the age of 60. Ellie will be deeply missed by her family and all those who call her a friend, leaving a void that can never be filled. This earthly pain is eased by knowing she is happily gardening in heaven, with her savior Jesus Christ.

Ellie was born on October 2, 1956, in Christchurch, New Zealand, to Henry (“Harry”) and Mary Cautley (née Kingcome). Ellie graduated from Christchurch Teachers College in 1976, and worked as a music teacher at primary schools in Christchurch.

Ellie married John on September 3, 1982 in Christchurch. In 1983, the young family moved to Wanganui, NZ, where Ellie gave birth to their first two children, Emily and Thomas. In 1988, Ellie and John and their young family moved across hemispheres for John to work as a professor at the University at Buffalo, New York. Ellie had her third child, Chloë, and then dedicated her days to her children and family, as a stay-at-home mum and homemaker.

Music and teaching were always among Ellie’s passions, and she was involved in church Sunday School, music and drama groups during her time in Buffalo. Ellie and her family returned to live in Christchurch in 2000 and Ellie thrived in her new farm and country lifestyle, raising sheep and tending to a vast and impressive country garden. She became a real estate agent, while continuing to remain involved in teaching and church music groups.

Ellie and John moved back to the U.S. in 2007, for John to take up a new professorial role at Texas A&M University. Ellie’s children followed her lead and soon each moved to Texas. She was proud to be a new “Texan,” but she remained proud of her trademark Kiwi-British accent.

Ellie’s passions while in Texas all centered around helping and supporting others, especially those in need and in crisis. She was actively involved with Voices For Children, serving as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and acting as the voice for numerous foster children within the Texas court system. Ellie and John together acted as foster parents for one very special child. Ellie was a trained Stephen Minister at her church, Christ United Methodist Church, caring for individuals suffering with grief, illness and personal crises. She also was an active member of women’s Bible studies throughout the community.

Ellie always left an impression on and made an impact on the lives of everyone she met. Her warm smile and friendliness made people gravitate toward her. She was an incredible cook, gardener and hostess who constantly opened her door and heart to friends and strangers, welcoming them each like family - all done with grace and style. She was a second mom to many. At age 60, Ellie was always the life of the party - her outgoing nature and easy laugh always brightened the room. Ellie’s vivacious personality, loving and compassionate heart, motherly wisdom and contagious laugh will forever be missed by her family and friends.

Ellie is survived by her loving husband of almost 35 years, John, her son and daughters and their spouses, Emily and Stuart Villanueva (of Houston, Texas), Thomas and Elizabeth Mander (of San Antonio, Texas), and Chloë and Grant Nunneley (of Boston, Massachusetts ), as well as treasured grandson Henry Mander. She also is survived by her sister and brother and their spouses, Margaret and Edgar Bosch (of Portage, MI) and Andrew and Lisette Cautley (of Nelson, NZ), mother-in-law Margret Mander (of Dunedin, NZ) and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews in the U.S., New Zealand and England. She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Mary Cautley, and father-in-law, Barrie Mander. She leaves behind five cherished pets, including her beloved Border Collie girls.

A funeral service will be held for Ellie at Christ United Methodist Church (4201 Highway 6, College Station) at 3 p.m. Thursday, June 29, 2017 with a reception to follow at the church. Pastor Tommy Myrick will officiate the funeral ceremony.

Memorial Funeral Chapel College Station will be handling the funeral arrangements. Visitation and burial services will be held privately. Flowers may be sent to Memorial or CUMC in advance of the service, and messages may also be sent to [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given in Ellie’s name to Still Creek Ranch, an organization dear to her heart that rescues children from crisis environments and restores them through Christian education.