Eleanor (Carville) Todd

Cape Neddick, Maine- “Always remember the beauty of the garden, for there is peace.” It is with great sadness that the family of Eleanor Carville Todd announces her passing on Thursday, June 27th at her home in Cape Neddick surrounded by her loved ones.  Eleanor was born in Auburn, Maine on November 14, 1928, a daughter of H. Linwood and Katherine (McGorman) Carville. Her family moved to York, Maine where she attended York High School and graduated in 1946. She went on to earn a teaching degree from Gorham State Teachers College in 1950.

In 1952, Eleanor married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, the late Milton F. Todd. They celebrated 37 years of marriage while enjoying their time together at their home on the Cape Neddick River.  Together they raised their two children on the foundation of love and togetherness.  To them, family was a unique gift that was appreciated and treasured. Time was spent traveling, following many sporting events, boating on the river, swimming in the pool and meticulously maintaining the grounds that spread along the riverside. Eleanor’s passion was her rock garden design that supplied beautiful plant colors for the seasons and Milton’s love was the endless mowing of the lawn and field that surrounded the family estate. Their expertise and care for detail complimented each other as they took pride in their work to make their grounds eligible for a magazine cover. 

Eleanor was a teacher in the York Schools for 31 years before her retirement in 1988. She taught first grade, third grade, and was a Title One Reading Specialist. She was recognized as one of York’s dedicated and outstanding teachers. Her love for children and her enthusiasm towards teaching struggling readers to read has touched many young lives in the community. Eleanor always wanted to make a difference in a child’s life and treasured her many years in the teaching profession. 

Never one to be idle, Eleanor immediately transferred her indomitable energies to community involvement. She was a volunteer at York Hospital in the patient room service program. She served as treasurer for the York Hospital Auxiliary. She was an active member of the Cape Neddick Baptist Church serving as a deaconess, vacation bible school teacher, president of the American Baptist Women and provided floral arrangements for the Sunday morning worship services. 

Eleanor was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society of Women Educators for 54 years serving as treasurer and committee work. Eleanor fueled her desire to work with school children by being a grandparent reader, a volunteer for the celebrity reader’s program in York and Kennebunk and her greatest thrill was to share her expertise and love for teaching in her daughter, Melinda’s classroom. She shared her avid love of gardening to the Old York Garden Club, working at the plant sale and helping to beautify plant tubs and gardens throughout the community. She was a member of the York Extension, York Historical Society, York County Retired Teachers Association, Southern Maine Gorham Alumni Association and a volunteer at the Nubble Lighthouse Gift Shop at Sophier Park. 

Eleanor’s life was filled with doing for others, giving her time to enrich the programs within her community and most of all spending time with family. Her children both reside in York and have surrounded her with love and support since the passing of Milton(December 7, 1989). She is survived by her son, Glenn Milton Todd and his wife Peggy Hansen Todd, and their children Aaron, Shannon and Colby.   Her daughter, Melinda Todd Gallagher and her husband David Jay Gallagher, and their children Stephanie Gallagher Ruger and Michael Gallagher.  She cherished her grandchildren, never missed an event and was proud of their every accomplishment whether big or small. Her love for them was immeasurable and in return their involvement kept her active and young. She is also survived by her brother, Linwood Carville of Orono, Maine. Linwood (Woody) and Eleanor shared an exemplary sibling relationship of love, caring and support. 

A special thank you to D&C Homecare (Jessica and support staff) and Beacon Hospice (Patti, Beth, Kate and support staff). We greatly appreciate the quality home care over the past year!

Thank you to York’s Active Living Center for the visits and delivery of meals. A thank you to Southern Maine Agency on Aging.

Eleanor is preceded in death by her husband, Milton Todd, her parents, H. Linwood and Katherine Carville,  brothers in law,  Robert Todd, Sr. and his wife Elizabeth Todd, Charles Todd, Jr. and  sister in law, Jean Carville. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cape Neddick Baptist Church, 34 River Road Cape

Neddick or to the  York Public Library Children’s Center to continue Eleanor’s passion for teaching young children to read!

York Public Library

 15 Long Sands Road York, Maine 207-363-2818. 

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