Ellen McClure DaVega

Ellen McClure DaVega, 71, died on Monday, April 16, 2018. Ellen was the daughter of the late Henry and Susan DaVega of Columbia. She is survived by her three daughters Anna S. Smith (Bill), Kate S. Smith (Legare), and Ellen S. Mostellar (Curtis); grandchildren, Shea L. Smith, Susanna H. Smith, Zinnia B. Smith, and Everett H. Mostellar; sisters, Susanne Gibbins (George) and Anita Rownd (Buzz), and brother, Mike DaVega (Melanie). Ellen was born on March 2, 1947, and grew up in Columbia, where she attended AC Flora High School and later Queens College in Charlotte; she moved to Charleston in the 1970's and lived downtown on both Savage and New Streets. Her first years in Charleston were spent as a social worker. She then managed a Historic Charleston Bed and Breakfast and shared her love of Charleston with people from all over the world. Finally, some of her happiest years were spent living on Sullivan's Island. Ellen loved nature, and she could be seen walking her dog on the beach and picking up seashells as she admired the sunrise. The beach was always her favorite place: she loved the soothing sound of the waves and the sunshine and the activity, and her family cherishes nostalgic memories of long days on Sullivan's throughout many years. Ellen was a lot of fun, and many of her children's friends might remember with fondness her excellently stocked pantry with great snacks and her fun-loving presence, complete with music and constant visitors.

Ellen always cherished a love for children, and her work with the youth combined with her devout faith: she was a member of First (Scots) Presbyterian Church for over 40 years. She served as a youth advisor for many years, and she taught Kirk Club and Vacation Bible School as well. She served on committees at First (Scots) and enjoyed her time at the end of her life helping to make prayer shawls with the ladies of the church.

Ellen's proudest accomplishment were her three daughters, Anna, Kate, and Ellen. "Big Ellen's" sense of humor and love for children was ingrained into her daughters-- all of whom have chosen "teaching" vocations. Ellen also enjoyed seeing her granddaughters-- she watched the older two, Shea and Susanna Smith, perform shows and listened as they read Bible stories to her, and she enjoyed seeing the babies-- Zinnia Smith and Everett Mostellar-- as they developed over the course of their first year.

Family and friends are invited to attend her funeral service at First (Scots) Presbyterian Church on Friday, April 20, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. and to visit with the family at a reception following the service in Molly Wier Hall. Interment, private. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Downtown Chapel. The family thanks Piedmont Hospice, First Light Home Care, and Sandpiper for their kindness and care. In lieu of flowers, and if desired, memorials may be made to First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, 53 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC 29401 or any organization of your choice.