Ann Marie Carmichel Eels

Ann Marie Carmichel Eels, 82, of Charleston, South Carolina, widow of W. Robert Eels, Jr. died Monday, February 8, 2016. A memorial service will be held Monday, February 15, 2016, at 2 p.m., at The Chapel at Bishop Gadsden on James Island, with a reception to follow. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

Ann was born August 21, 1933, in Queens, New York, daughter of the late Robert and Rita Marie Carmichel DeGelleke. Ann was married for more than 60 years to the late W. Robert Eels, Jr., retired Naval Aviator. She was raised on Long Island and graduated from Lynbrook High School and Adelphi College. Ann was a long-time member of St. James United Methodist Church in Lynbrook, NY, and later of Baylake United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach, VA.

While raising her children and being a Navy wife, Ann's activities included hospital volunteer, Brownie and Girl Scout Leader, and American Heart Association volunteer. She chaired the Wives Club when her husband was the Commanding Officer of the VAW squadron. Ann was an Orthopedic Medical Secretary for 25 years. After retirement, Ann volunteered as the Recording Secretary for her community civic league in Virginia Beach and tutored children in reading. She loved music and reading, and enjoyed playing the piano and doing the daily crossword. Her greatest treasures were her family and friends.

Ann is survived by her son, Donald and wife Sheila Eels of Saint Mary's, GA; daughter Sharon; sister-in-law, Helen and husband Edwin Sorensen; grandchildren: Michelle and husband Charles Clendenen, Michael and wife Kelly Eels, Matthew Eels, Scott and wife Brittany Eels; great-grandchildren: Jakob Braun, Kendal Eels, Tyler Clendenen, Isabella Eels, Noah Eels, Marshall Clendenen, and Elise Eels; nieces and nephews: Leah and husband Edward McNellis, Kirsten and husband Edward Romanzo, Jeanine and husband Joseph Witowski, Aaron and wife Jennifer Sorensen, Debbie Kerr, Darlene Grant, Dawn Renfrew, and Wayne Eid.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ASPCA, 424 E. 92nd St, New York, NY 10128-6804 or the Alzheimer's Association, 2090 Executive Hall Road, Suite 130, Charleston, SC 29407.