Elinor Joan (Wensell) Mantheiy, 85, of Cumberland, passed away Thursday, March 28, 2024, in her home. Born May 7, 1938, in Keyser, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Nina (Bobo) Wensell. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband William Mantheiy; a son, Christopher Mantheiy; by her brothers, Neil, Richard, Mike, and Edward.

In her youth she was Elinor, but as an adult most know her as Ellie, and most know her for her charitable work. Although soft spoken, her voice was effective. And her voice was backed up by perseverance, along with strong communication skills and a penchant for organization. Perhaps this came from her experience as an effective secretary, starting with her training at Catherman's Business School, where she excelled after graduating from Keyser High School in 1956. Ellie went on to work as an executive secretary for Westvaco from 1957-1966, and later as a secretary and personnel coordinator for Sacred Heart Hospital until her retirement.

While raising three children, and working part-time, Ellie still began to volunteer wherever her faith led her. It began with her children's activities, but soon led to more and more at her parish, St. Mary Catholic Church, in Cumberland. She helped wherever she could, and she was always looking for ways to support those in need through food and clothing drives, flowers to the homebound at Easter and Christmas, and many more. This calling ultimately led her to found and lead several startups, including the Hospital Ministry Team and, most notably, the Children's Clothing Room. It was through this effort that she believed she could aid the most lives and the most in need.

Outside the church, Ellie also found ways to contribute to the community, including several years as Chairperson for the local chapter of the Fresh Air Program, which brought more than one hundred inner city children, each year from New York City, to spend two summer weeks with host families throughout Western Maryland. Of course, she hosted children herself including the inevitable 'extra', but her favorite was Felix who became known in the community as Fresh Air Freddie.

While she had many roles in her community, Elinor was above all else a very devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She couldn't have accomplished all that she did without her dedicated and generous partner, and husband, Bill. He was equally devoted, and they made an amazing team.

Looking back now … the communication, the relationships … it all ties together so perfectly, with her brothers crediting her as the glue that kept them together for family reunions; her grandchildren always being strongly 'encouraged' to write letters to her when they moved away; her children recalling a dining room table with a huge genealogy chart for both sides of their family, and weekend excursions to deserted cemeteries for research; the calendars and color coded felt tip pen system that kept the family and the charities on track; the Royal Deluxe manual typewriter that was always out and ready to support her efforts; or the steno pads containing impeccable shorthand notes that only she could decipher. These are things we will remember, but most of all Ellie will be remembered for the lives she touched through her volunteering, and for the relationships she nurtured with family and friends until her last days. This is her legacy.

Ellie leaves behind her beloved children, Joseph and David and wife, Charleen; daughter-in-law, Denise; sister-in-law, Josephine; grandchildren, Hannah White and husband, Phil, Corinne, Chloe, Izzy, Jack, Josh, Emily, and Lily; great-grandson, Emmett. And too many friends to name, but including Marg, Kate, and Mary Jane.

Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Avenue, Cumberland, on Friday, April 5, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. A Vigil will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Catholic Church on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 10 a.m.

Interment will be in St. Mary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Children's Clothing Room, c/o Our Lady of the Mountains Parish, 300 E Oldtown Rd, Ste. 2, Cumberland, MD 21502.