Eleanor Horton Clavelle left this world on Sunday morning, April 19, 2026, at the ripe old age of 100. She considered herself blessed to have spent her final days at her home in Colchester, Vt., which she shared for the last two years with her daughter Betsy Cain and Arty Lavigne.
Eleanor, called “Dang” and/or “El” by family and friends, was a strong and remarkable woman. Born in Burlington, Vt., on August 14, 1925, she was the daughter of Edward Horton and Irene Miville Horton. Calvin Coolidge was president.
El was the oldest of six siblings: Jane, Betty, Ed, Patty and Paul. Unfortunately, their dad died when El was 11, and she played an important role in helping her mom raise her siblings. Patty Rouille is the last one remaining.
El attended Memorial Elementary and Winooski High School, graduating in 1943. In 1946 she married her “soldier,” Raymond (Moon) Clavelle, in St. Stephen’s Church. They were married for 69 years. She raised five children, Raymie, Peter, Betsy, Anne and Stephen, and was very proud of their accomplishments. El embraced her children’s spouses: Kathy Clavelle, Betsy Ferries, John Cain, Tom Obbagy and Bonni Clavelle. She showered love on 11 grandchildren (Sean, Justin, Rebekah, Adam, Luke, Eliza, Chelsea, Jae, Alex, Will, Courtney) and their spouses and 15 great-grandchildren.
Very special to El’s life was Camp Overlake in Malletts Bay, a place where she spent 100 summers of her life. There she was the matriarch, surrounded by siblings, nieces, nephews and cousins, plus her own kids, grandchildren and great-grands. El loved Overlake, the happy hours sipping margaritas under the pine tree, campfires and rocking on the porch. Other interests included gardening and cooking, especially with her grandchildren; going to their activities; and doing crossword puzzles and watching “Jeopardy!” on TV. Sitting by the fireplace on a snowy evening at 23 Whitney Street brought her joy.
The family will gather at Camp Overlake this summer to remember her with a marg!
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation of money or time to a cause or organization that reflects El’s commitment to social, environmental and racial justice.
Arrangements are in the care of LaVigne Funeral and Cremation Services. To send condolences to her family, please visit vtfuneralhomes.com.
This article appears in April 22 • 2026.