Eva Wallin Ellman

June 1, 1942 - July 22, 2020
Eva Wallin Ellman

Memorial Gifts & Donations




Eva Wallin Ellman, age 78 of Wilmington passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center.

Eva Ellman was born Eva Wallin in Lund, Sweden on June 1, 1942. Her family, parents Jenny and Gustav, and older sister Lisa, emigrated to the United States in 1946. They settled in the suburbs of Chicago, IL. Eva graduated from Lyons Township High School in 1960 and went to work as a secretary at International Harvester. There she met her husband of 56 years, Rich Ellman. Eva stopped working for several years to raise her family – daughter Lisa was born 11/5/1964, and daughter Chrissy was born 6/29/1968. The family moved from the Chicago suburbs to West Palm Beach, FL in 1979 where Eva worked for a real estate company part time. In 1982 the family moved to Charlotte, NC where she worked at CF Airfreight until she retired in 1992. After moving to Lake Norman, Eva began working part time at the Needlecraft Center in Davidson, NC. When she and Rich moved to Wilmington, Eva became highly involved in a network of knitters, who became her best friends.

Eva’s main passion, after her family, has always been knitting. She was a self proclaimed “KnitKnut” and left her mark wherever she went. Everyone loved Eva – her super witty sense of humor, brilliant mind, and incredible talent for knitting and crocheting. She could knit a pair of socks in a few hours.

Even after her Pancreatic Cancer diagnosis, Eva fought for 11 months, doing everything she was told, and maintained her high spirits and sense of humor. The latter being a bit warped in the best possible way. She will be missed by so many.

Because of Covid the Family will not be having any services at this time but after this pandemic they will have a celebration of her life.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests a donation to lifecare.org (Hospice) or www.pancan.org (pancreatic cancer site).

Share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Condolence” tab.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910-791-9099


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  • July 23, 2020
    Lynda Logan says:
    I am so blessed to have known “Queen Eva”. I will always remember her smiling face and quick wit. She helped me many times with my knitting problems and so generous with her time and knowledge. My heart goes out to Rich and the Girls.

  • July 23, 2020
    gerri michaels says:
    I was blessed to have spent time with Eva and the ladies at Quarter Stitch. She was a lovely person and an awesome knitter. The best!! My heartfelt sympathies go out to her family and many friends.

  • July 23, 2020
    Claire Clemmons says:
    I'll never forget the first time I met her, she was sitting on the wicker loveseat in the shop, knitting. I remember thinking how beautiful she was, and how fast she could knit! Little did I know at the time what an impact she'd have on my life. She was so incredibly kind, I never heard her say a harsh word about anyone, but those of us who knew her well, learned to interpret her knowing looks. She was incredibly funny, an amazing listener and absolutely tender hearted. She supported me in so many ways the last couple years at the shop, what I wouldn't give to have more time sitting on her left, with our needles clicking away. She will be forever in my heart, and I just know she and mom are laughing and knitting away on Heavens choicest threads, hope they don't work it all up before the rest of us get there. ♥️

  • July 23, 2020
    Lou Belo says:
    Oh my. I am truly blessed to have known Eva. So many laughs at the yarn store. Missing her immensely. My thoughts and prayers for Rich and girls. RIP my friend

  • July 23, 2020
    Jo Svitzer says:
    Eva leaves us with so many fond memories. Our "Queen" of knitting kept us laughing even when she was ill. As I have told a friend, think of her stash of tee shirts and yarn, Swedish pride, and bottomless pit of knowledge. Love and peace to her family and thank you for sharing Eva with us.