Eleanor Smith Montgomery's Obituary
Long may the queen reign in our hearts. Every day was a gift to her. Every day with her was a gift. She lived her life with strength, passion, and joy. Now, there will be an emptiness – a crown is growing dust on a shelf without her.
Eleanor (Ellie) Smith Montgomery aka Hilliard Seeley, 84, of Madison, Virginia, passed away on July 7, 2025 after an extended battle with cancer.
Born 29 September 1940, Eleanor Montgomery was the only child of Dr. Bertram H. Smith, M.D. and Georgine J. Smith in Haddon Heights, New Jersey. Eleanor attended Haddonfield Friends’ School and Moorestown Friends’ School. Her childhood included summers at Cape May where she met her life-long friend, Linda, at the age of seven.
Eleanor graduated from Allegheny College in Pennsylvania. After completing her studies, Eleanor taught in Fairfax County Schools before moving to Culpeper where she continued teaching. Soon, she became known as “The Queen” to her students – a title she relished. The Queen, who always wore her trademark long earrings, greeted her “royal subjects” daily with nicknames she had bestowed upon them.
The Queen had rigorous standards for them and for herself. Eleanor was never shy to wield her poison pen and ‘attack” papers her students had written. Write and revise was the mantra in her class. Despite their initial protests, students unanimously agreed their writing improved dramatically during their tenure in the Queen’s class. In fact, based on their writing acumen, several of the Queen’s students excelled in or were exempt from introductory college English classes.
In 1991, Eleanor married her dear friend and companion, Ron Montgomery.
Eleanor never sat still. She taught, clerked for auctioneers, sold antiques, and read when she was not enjoying travel and friends. Over time, Ellie became a pillar in the community as she worked with Chaplains Wings, Madison Matters, Madison Cares, the Madison County Food Bank, American Legion Auxiliary Post 157, and church groups. Eleanor’s hundreds of hand-knitted hats and scarves are warming soldiers around the world, while Madison County’s Sheriff’s office will miss her treats, cookies, and desserts. Her amazing care packages and letters to military chaplains and soldiers will be missed as will her vocal support of the community at the Madison County Board of Supervisor meetings.
Eleanor was predeceased by her adoptive parents, and her biological mother, Helen Merrell whom she found when she was 77. She is survived by her husband Ron, her son Bert Hilliard and his wife Amy, her grandchildren: Lexi Whitbeck (Andrew), Hope, Joshua, and great-granddaughter and delight, Rue. She is also survived by her brothers Michael Merrell (Sus) and Brian Merrell (Cheryl), her stepchildren Peter Montgomery, and Timothy Montgomery (Kathryn), and her step-grandchildren (Katelyn, Justin, Madison, Jax).
Ellie leaves an immense number of friends and acquaintances who are each better for having known her. She was an illuminating presence and brightened many lives. She lived a life of service, dedicated to her students, her family, her friends, and her community. She never met a challenge she could not face with a smile or a person with whom she did not want to join in conversation. She had a zest for people of all walks of life and never met a stranger; the world was full of new possibilities and new friendships.
Family and friends are grateful for the visits and texts from Pastor Brad and the many cards
from those who attend Reformation Lutheran Church. We have the greatest gratitude and
appreciation for Dr. Romano and the Sentara Oncology Department and healthcare providers. They
helped her in her final battle and made her life a bit more bearable with their dedication and care.
Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Bethanne Elbert, Eleanor’s PC for over twenty years. We also thank the
Hospice of the Piedmont and those who cared for Eleanor, Darcy Edwards, nurse; Lisa Stone, social
worker, and Dr. Kelly Mitchell. Finally, the family thanks the staff at Martha Jefferson House for
taking care of Eleanor in her final days and allowing her to pass with dignity. May we all rest well
knowing that God has indeed saved the queen.
The family will receive friends on Friday, August 1, 2025 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Reformation Lutheran Church, 601 Madison Road, Culpeper, VA.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Reformation Lutheran Church with Pastor Brad Hales officiating.
The family asks that donations be sent to Reformation Lutheran
Church, 601 Madison Road, Culpeper, VA 2701, or to Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Pkwy, Ste 300, Charlottesville, VA in honor of the deceased.
An online obituary and guestbook are available at www.foundandsons.com
Found and Sons Funeral Chapel of Culpeper is serving the family.
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