Ronnie Marie Elwell, of Nantucket and Mattapoisett, MA, died at home on Nantucket on Saturday, December 8, 2012 from esophageal cancer. She was born on May 1, 1942 to the late Capitola and Richard Elwell in Boston, MA. She was predeceased by her brother, Rick Elwell.
Dr. Elwell earned her RN at the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and the BA, MA and Ph.D. from The American University. Her life was dedicated to teaching from her early career as a psychiatric nurse, later as a graduate student, and as a college professor. She was a beloved classroom teacher and extended her teaching to mentor colleagues, young professionals, and anyone eager to learn. Her keen intellect, feisty spirit and warm smile combined to make her a delightful force to reckon with when she advocated for the causes and principles dear to her heart. Dr. Elwell held professional positions at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital (Washington DC), the University of the District of Columbia, Simmons College and Lesley University.
Ronnie loved to travel, spending a week each winter in Aruba, and recently sojourning to the Galapagos Islands and South Africa. She also visited Alaska, Paris, Costa Rica, and Russia. Her journeys always included time in the outdoors where she enjoyed birdwatching, the local flora and fauna, and a swim at the beach.
Ronnie will be sorely missed by her daughter, Jessica Alm, her partner, Janet Schulte, and her devoted cat, Sassafras. Family members include Robert Garber, her nieces and nephews and several cousins in Framingham, MA and in Maine. Dozens of friends mourn her loss. A Celebration of life is planned for Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 1:00 pm at the Bay Club, Mattapoisett. Her ashes will be interred in Silver Ridge Township, Maine next to her brother, Rick.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org, or your favorite charity.