Darla Annette (Stevens) Ellery

PEABODY – Darla Annette (Stevens) Ellery, 87, formerly of Danvers, loving wife of the late Richard V. Ellery, Jr., died on June 16, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Island Falls, Maine, she was the daughter of the late Dana and Beryl (McLaughlin) Stevens.

Darla was raised and educated in Danvers after her family relocated from Maine during her childhood. She was a proud graduate of Danvers’ Holten High School, Class of 1957 where she met the love of her life, Richard Ellery Jr. The two would go on to share 63 beautiful years of marriage, a partnership that was the foundation of everything she held dear.

Darla poured her heart into her family, devoting her early years to raising her three daughters. When her youngest had grown, she channeled that same care and warmth into a second chapter, spending 25 years as office manager at the Danvers Animal Hospital, a role that suited her perfectly, before retiring.

Those who knew Darla knew she was never one to sit still. Her hands were always busy; knitting, sewing, creating. She crafted many pairs of mittens, prom dresses, and quilts with love and skill, turning fabric, thread, and yarn into something lasting. That same nurturing spirit extended to the smallest creatures around her; she had a special fondness for cats, and they gave her company and comfort right up until the end of her days.

But perhaps nothing captured Darla's spirit quite like dancing. She began dancing at the age of three, tap and ballet, and carried that joy with her through her youth. Though life as a wife and mother brought a pause to her dancing years, she never truly left the floor. At 70, she took up dancing again with her cherished Club Ladies who gathered regularly at the Newburyport Senior Center, enjoying the movement, laughter, and friendship. Even though dementia had started to rob her of her memory, she was still the best dancer in the group (at least according to her!)

In the last years of her life, Darla’s memories were slowly stolen from her as she lived with the effects of dementia. Somehow, she maintained her sense of humor, was quick to laugh and to make others laugh. Her family wishes to acknowledge the dedicated direct caregivers at Brooksby Village and Care Dimensions who cared for her with love and respect and with whom she left a lasting impression.

She leaves behind a community that is quieter without her, and a family whose lives are immeasurably richer for having been loved by her.

In addition to her parents, Darla is predeceased by her husband, Richard V. Ellery, Jr., and her brother Richard Stevens.

Darla is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Colby and her husband Richard of Newburyport, Elisabeth Anderson and her husband George of Danvers, and Sarah Ellery of Danvers, her sister, Lisa Stevens, her brother, Kevin Stevens and his wife Heidi, her grandchildren, Patrick Colby, Daniel Colby and his fiancé Emma Lincoln, Benjamin Colby and his wife Alexandra, Kevin Anderson and his wife Jacqueline, Thomas Anderson, Brian Perham, and Hannah Perham, her great-granddaughter, Riley Anderson, her niece Tracy Kervin, and her nephew, Craig Stevens.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to Darla’s funeral service to be held on Thursday, June 25, 2026 at 5:30 PM at O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple Street, (Rte. 62) DANVERS. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service from 2 to 5 PM. Burial will be held at a later date. To share a memory or offer a condolence please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.