Eleanor Mabee Reed

Eleanor Brittingham Mabee Reed passed away at home in Sun Valley in the loving embrace of her family.

Born on March 8, 1936, the daughter of Dr. William Ernest Mabee, Jr & Esperanza Brittingham (neé) Mabee Bevan and granddaughter of Industrialist and pioneer of Mexican industry, J.F. Brittingham. Ellie grew up in the idyllic Beverly Hills of the 1940’s & 50’s with her sisters the late Ann & Bobbie (Ann Mabee Guerin), (Roberta Mabee Amick) and her dear cousin, the late Dorthy Lee Koll. Ellie attended Good Shepherd Catholic School, Westlake School for Girls (Harvard Westlake) and the University of Southern California where she pledged Kappa Alpha Theta.

In 1975 she became a full time resident of Sun Valley, Idaho. Ellie’s passion was ice skating where she joined the board of the Sun Valley Figure Skating Club. In this effort she raised funds to help local ice skaters and attract top talent to the Sun Valley Ice Shows.. Ellie appeared in the ice shows over the years as a “Hermanette” (Herman Maricich) in his memorable black tie performance, “Singing in the Rain.” While pursuing ice skating she passed her Preliminary and Pre Bronze Dance tests among many others. She embraced her life in Sun Valley always active in skiing, cross country and yoga. She cherished the friendships she made here over the years.

Ellie was a gracious and lovely hostess in the tradition of old Sun Valley. There was never an unwelcome guest. Ellie was always active in the community, raising funds for the Community School with her longtime friend, Judy Ferries. Ellie lovingly raised her three children in her career as a homemaker. In 1991 she was introduced to Joe Keon by longtime Sun Valley friends, Josie & Ed Flynn. It was the beginning of a 27 year relationship with Joe relocating to Sun Valley to spend his life with Ellie. They became known among their friends as the Jellie’s. Joe learned to ice skate and they later traveled with Lisa Webster to Nationals and Worlds in Chelerina, Switzerland.

In 1999 Ellie & Joe travelled to Scotland for the marriage of their dear friends, Beverly & Michael De Chevrieux. This began a 10+ year reunion tradition with close friends at Kinnaird in Perthshire of shooting, entertaining and their (Scottish) Clan MacFudd. All great fun. Locally, Ellie & Joe loved watching her grandchildren learn to ice skate in the Sun Valley summers and in winters watching their ski racing at Dollar mountain. When away from Sun Valley, Ellie & Joe spent time with her sister Bobbie at her home in Newport Beach and Joe’s home in Palmilla, Mexico.

Most of all, Ellie always prioritized concern for those she loved in place of herself. She never missed sending a written note and gift for a family birthday, graduation or special occasion. For her friends and family she was an angel among us who will always be loved and her memory cherished.

Ellie is preceded in death by her partner, Joseph J. Keon, Jr., her daughter Cristina M. Reed, brother-in-law, J.P. (Rick) Guerin, Jr. and two lab’s, Sigi and Murphy, all cherished and beloved. Ellie is survived by her loving son, Travis E. Reed III, her loving daughter, Ann Reed Norton and her three loving grandchildren, Abby, Kate and Reed Norton and grand-lab, Bear, her beloved nieces, Elizabeth Guerin Dickenson (Doug) and Camille Guerin Boatwright (David), her loving cousin Sharon Stanul of Newport Beach and loving godsons, James R. Terzian and Alex Maricich. A funeral service commemorating Ellie’s life will be Tuesday, September 10th at 11:00am at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Sun Valley. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established to honor Ellie’s life.

Ellie’s family would like to thank the staff and caregivers of Silver Creek and Canyons Retirement Community for their dedication and loving care. In addition, to Jessica Taylor for her love in caring for Mom in her time at home over the past years.

Receive her into the arms of thy mercy O Lord, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light.