Eleanor Jane Irwin

Eleanor Lovell Irwin known as Ellie entered into rest on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. She was born in Louisville, Ky., beloved wife of John G. Irwin. She was the daughter of the late Dr. & Mrs. Harvey B. Lovell. She attended Stetson University in DeLand, Florida, for two years, then transferred and graduated from Purdue University where she met and married John, the love of her life. In addition to her husband, the loves of her life were her children: Debra Irwin Olson (Curt) of Raleigh; Sheri Irwin of Charleston; and Julie Irwin Broome of Aiken; and her grandsons Garrison Broome (Mary Cate) and Ryan Broome and granddaughter Dr. Kristin Olson. And most recently her great baby granddaughter Emma Broome. She was so proud of all of them.

Ellie was very active in the community. She enjoyed being a member of the Aiken Women’s Club and participating in the Aiken Special Arts at the Special Olympics, the Celebration of Character program, serving lunches to the Habitat workers, participating in the spring luncheon fundraiser, and all the other activities of the Woman’s Club. She loved sewing and made tote bags for the Lydia Project for women with cancer. She also sewed many ballerina outfits for Crosby’s School of Dance. She had amazing handwriting and she was paid for her beautiful Calligraphy skills.

She absolutely loved baking desserts and was the original dessert pie baker for The Bowery before they expanded. She enjoyed being in a card-making club where they designed and made their own greeting cards. She was a long-time member of a Bunco group and was in the Newcomer’s Club when her family first moved to Aiken from Virginia and she held several offices and chairmanships.

When her three daughters were young, she worked as a Sunday school teacher. She was a Brownie leader and Girl Scout leader when her girls were in scouts. She also worked as a substitute teacher and worked in several retail stores in Aiken when her girls were in High School and College. She was a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church.

Ellie lived in 10 states during her marriage as John was transferred many times. Once they moved to Aiken and the family settle in, they jointly decided Aiken was home and no promotion was worth moving the family again.

She was very smart and talented and knew from the beginning what her mission was. It was to take care of her family. She always looked out for her family and made sure they were well taken care of. Always putting her family first before herself.

If you would like to make a donation in her honor please donate to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, or the charity of your choice.

Ellie, GiGi, Mom, Wife… You were and are an Amazing person. We will always cherish and love you!

SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC