Eleanor "Lisse" Lovell, 71, a long time resident of Annapolis, Maryland died December 16, 2011 at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis following a two year battle with cancer and her most recent brief illness.

She was born in Bridgeport, Conn., the daughter of the late Willard L. and Eleanor Osborn Lovell. She grew up with her two brothers in Essex, Conn. where the Lovell family owned and ran the historic Griswold Inn. She graduated from Valley Regional High School in Deep River, Conn.

Ms. Lovell is a 1962 graduate of Smith College in Northampton, Mass with a BA degree. Her friends remember Lisse reaching out to people and forging life long relationships with her characteristic warmth and curiosity.

Following her graduation from Smith College, she relocated to the Washington DC area where she enjoyed a long and rewarding career with the US Government, retiring from the US Department of Veterans Affairs as Program Manager and Special Assistant to the Director. She administered the lender division of the VA housing program with staff in 50 Regional offices. She also developed and implemented equal credit regulations and operating procedures for which she received the VA's highest award.

She loved the companionship of her Siamese cats to which she was forever devoted. She also loved sailing with friends and family and captaining " Ode to Joy" on the Chesapeake Bay and East Coast. Her curiosity, questioning and learning about people and different cultures inspired her to also enjoy many years of travel where she developed enduring friendships and captured memories of a lifetime.

She was a member of the Eastport Yacht Club in Annapolis where she formerly served as the chairman of the House Committee. She also enjoyed membership in two local sailing clubs the Corinthians and Singles on Sailboats. She was a member of the family church, St. John's Episcopal Church when in residence in Essex, Conn.

Her brother Willard L. Lovell, II, predeceases Ms. Lovell. She is survived by a brother, Henry Lovell of Alexandria, VA, a nephew, Willard L. Lovell, III, aka Tersh Lovell, a niece, Kristen Hickman of Purcellville, VA, a nephew, David Lovell of Miami, FL, her uncle and aunt, Arthur and Priscilla Lovell of Essex Ct. two great nephews, two great nieces and four cousins.

A memorial service will be scheduled for late spring aboard the boat of local friends. Memorial contributions may be made to: World Wildlife Fund, 1250 24th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 20037