Eleanor "Ellie" J. Haviland

Eleanor (“Ellie”) Josephine Smiley Haviland of Serra Manor in Weirton, WV (formerly of Norwich, CT) went to be with her Lord and Savior May 21, 2021, surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was 97 years old. Ellie was born to Charles and Josephine (Holbrook) Smiley on July 10, 1923, in Concord, MA. She attended Ayer, MA Elementary and Jr.& Sr. High School in Needham, MA. After graduation, she attended Cambridge School of Fine Arts and Fischer Business School in Boston, MA. She graduated from Boston University College of Music, where she received a Bachelor of Music Degree in Piano and Voice in 1945. She performed locally and taught piano from her home in Needham, MA. She received a certificate in the then-new music therapy program from Flagler Fulty Beacon Hill Boston and went to work at Boston State Hospital in the therapy department. She also worked under Harry Kromer in the Physical Therapy Department of the Norwich State Hospital in Preston, CT. Ellie had been a member of Central Baptist Church in Norwich, CT, for over 50 years and had also been a member of the church choir. When she eventually moved to Weirton, WV, in 2014, she joined Weirton Heights Memorial Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Pares and Spares Sunday School Class. Ellie traveled with her husband Harold J. Haviland, who was in the Army and children in Europe and Okinawa, where her son Charles was born, and while there, she was a church organist and director of three choirs. Upon returning to the states, she was employed by the State of Connecticut as a social worker and then became a juvenile probation officer retiring in 1988. Upon retirement, Ellie volunteered at the Norwich Senior Center as a pianist for the Golden Nuggets (a senior chorus) and later became director of the Rose City Senior Center group. After experiencing health problems, Ellie retired in 2000. Ellie moved to Weirton, WV, to be close to her grandchildren. She first made her home at Grandview Terrace in Serra Village. Eventually, Ellie moved to Serra Manor, where she remained until her passing. She loved her good friends at both Grandview Terrace and Serra Manor. Ellie is survived by her three children: daughter Kathleen Moira (Haviland) Griffith and husband, James of Weirton; daughter, Sheila Patricia (Haviland) Caccavaro and husband, Gerald of Newton, MA; and son, Charles Edward Haviland of Norwich, CT. She is also survived by three grandchildren: Justin (Keri) Griffith of Wellsburg, WV; Jared (Brittany) Griffith of Venetia, PA; and Amanda (Griffith) Soplinski of Weirton. She is survived by seven great-grandchildren: Dominic Soplinski, Gabriella Soplinski, Tanner Giffith, Lyla Soplinski, Noah Griffith, Lilliana Soplinski, and Jayden Griffith. Ellie enjoyed a wide variety of music, especially classical and big band music. Attending Weirton Event Center summer concerts was something that she always looked forward to. The family would like to express their appreciation to; Dr. Cherian John and his staff, the amazing and loving support of the Serra Manor staff, Pastor Bill Stout, and Valley Hospice. Ellie’s wishes were to be cremated, and Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home is taking care of these wishes. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, June 5, 2021, at 2:00 pm at Weirton Heights Memorial Baptist Church, 121 Ivy St., Weirton, WV, with visitation from 12:30-2:00. Share tributes and memories at www.grecohertnick.com