Ellen Mary Webster, beloved sister, aunt, and friend, passed away suddenly at her home in Wilmington, Delaware, on October 28, 2024, at the age of 70. Born on September 11, 1954, in State College, Pennsylvania, Ellen was the eldest of five siblings and a vibrant presence in her family.


Ellen grew up in Wilmington, graduating from Brandywine High School before attending the University of Delaware. She went on to a distinguished career in the hospitality industry, spending many years at the renowned Hotel DuPont in Wilmington. Known for her fearlessness, and lively personality, Ellen met thousands of people in her role as Chef Concierge, a position from which she retired in 2012. Her love for people and her remarkable memory for faces led to countless chance reunions with former guests from around the world.


The following was written about her.

"Ellen Webster, Chef Concierge, has been with the hotel for more than 25 years. She enjoys getting to meet actresses and actors who stay at the du Pont while performing in the Playhouse Theatre (part of the hotel building.)

'I get to meet CEOs from corporations all over the world because I've worked here so long,' she confides with a smile."


"The King and Queen of Sweden made a special impression on Webster. 'It was such an incredible experience,' she recalls. So much so that she named her Labrador retriever for King Carl Gustaf." (Excerpted from the book "Hotels to Remember by Mary Montague Sikes.)


Ellen was proud of her work accomplishments, primarily of being accepted into the professional association for concierges, Les Clefs d'Or (translated as The Golden Keys). It is a professional association of hotel concierges, with approximately 4000 members working in over 80 countries and 530 destinations, in literally every corner of the world.


"Easily identified by the golden crossed keys on their lapels, these members are an elite fraternity, globally connected, committed to professional development, and driven to setting new standards for guest service perfection."


Ellen really loved her dog, "Goose" (short for Gustaf).


Ellen was a fearless traveler with a deep curiosity for the world, exploring countries including Japan, Russia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Mexico. She found beauty in unique places and gathered memories and mementos from every journey. Known for her eclectic taste, Ellen loved art, fashion, and furnishings that reflected her adventurous spirit. She often recycled found items into her own artistic creations and took pride in collecting antiques that held their own stories.


A family friend added, "She was a really unique person and I always enjoyed talking to her at your family's events - she would always say exactly what she thought, have interesting stories to tell, and be very unapologetically herself."


Ellen was preceded in death by her loving parents, Owen and Lillian Webster. She is survived by her siblings: Anne Webster-Grant (Steve) of Hanover, New Hampshire; John Webster (Ann) of West Grove, Pennsylvania; James Webster (Donna) of Dover, Delaware; and M. Kate Webster (Stephen) of Wilmington. She also leaves behind eight nieces and nephews who often received as gifts some of the items Ellen had collected over the years.


Services will be private, but please, if you have any memories about our sister that you would like to share, please leave a comment on this site.


In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local animal shelter.