Eleanor “Ellie” Wade of Sebastian, a spirited and multifaceted woman, recently celebrated her 100th birthday, joining the ranks of notable centenarians like June Lockhart, beloved as “the mom on Lassie,” and the ever-energetic Dick Van Dyke, who calls himself “99 ½.”
Ellie’s century-long journey is a rich in adventure, service, and boundless enthusiasm, reflected in her roles as a mission worker, engineering analyst, school teacher, realtor, avid traveler, devoted wife, and mother of two.
Born in 1925, the Sebastian resident came of age during a time of remarkable transformation. Astronomer Edwin Hubble was unveiling new galaxies, Louis Armstrong’s jazz filled the airwaves, and F. Scott Fitzgerald penned The Great Gatsby. Through a century of change, Ellie’s life has been a testament to curiosity, resilience, and an unyielding zest for living.
Ellie’s passion for exploration shone brightly, especially on her road trips. Long before Interstate 95 was built, she drove her two young children from Connecticut to Florida, turning car journeys into educational adventures. Her youngest, Bobby, enjoyed stops at fruit stands offering “all you can drink fresh orange juice.” On one memorable occasion, Bobby refilled his cup so many times that the vendor gently said, “Son, that’s enough.”
During another trip, near a cotton field, Ellie slipped through a barbed wire fence to pick a cotton boll, using it as a teaching tool to discuss fibers, slavery, and agriculture with her children. In an era when motels were a novel concept—the first opened the year she was born—Ellie often stayed at boarding houses. There, hosts like Mrs. Riley offered breakfasts and shared widsom.
Ellie’s yearning for adventure extended far beyond American borders. Alongside her late husband, Ross Wade, she traveled the globe, capturing thousands of photos and hundreds of videos. She boldly drove large RVs, towing a car across America’s highways.
Just months after knee surgery, Ellie journeyed to China and tackled the steep steps of the Great Wall. Her church mission trips took her to the Middle East, where she explored biblical lands.
Her interests were as varied as her travels. Ellie played the piano, collected rocks from her journeys, participated in Bible studies, enjoyed square dancing, and relished card games with friends. Her professional life was equally diverse, with careers as an engineering analyst, school teacher, and realtor.
From the rise of radio to the advent of video calls, Ellie has witnessed a century of progress while remaining a steadfast source of wisdom, strength, and love.
From everyone at Sebastian Daily, we wish Ellie a joyful and unforgettable Happy Birthday!
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