Eleanor "Ele" Dex

On Thanksgiving afternoon, November 22, 2018, Eleanor (Ele) Dex, 82, passed away peacefully in her home after a prolonged illness. Born on January 6, 1936, she was the daughter of the late James and Ruby Lee Lowrey. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Washington, DC in 1953. Eleanor married the love of her life, Max J Dex Jr, on December 17, 1953. They settled in McLean, Virginia. She was a loving mother to Vicky Heishman and son-in-law Donald Heishman and devoted grandmother to David Heishman. She loved to visit with them in their home in the Shenandoah Valley for holidays, David’s school and sporting events and any other time she could. Eleanor had a long, exciting and varied career, advancing from a position as clerk typist at the age of 17, rising in responsible positions to become an Executive Secretary/Special Assistant for several high-ranking senior military/government/private industry officials. She worked for those officials at the CIA, White House, National Security Council, NSA and TRW. She also spent two years in Australia (1973-75) working for her husband who was serving as a United States Civilian employee. She retired in 1995 and then served as the Volunteer Coordinator for VNA Community Hospice. Eleanor and Max spent many of their retirement years taking cruises, travelling in their RV (visiting every state except North Dakota), going to yard sales (and hosting yard sales) and visiting with family and friends. Eleanor enjoyed spending time with her neighbors and, always the animal lover, acting as a ‘grandmother” to various neighborhood cats throughout the years. During their 64 years together, it was rare to ever see Max and Eleanor apart. They advocated for, loved on and supported each other in every situation and always thought of the needs of the other before their own. Their marriage was, and still is, an inspiration to many. Capitol Caring hospice cared for Eleanor in her home to make her last days as comfortable as possible. Paragon Health Home Care caregiver, Mila, spent Eleanor’s last few weeks with her providing wonderful care and support to both Eleanor and Max. Memorial donations may be made to “Paragon Home Care’s Community Assistance Fund” – www.paragonhomecare.com. A celebration of Eleanor’s life will take place on Friday, December 7, 2018 from 6 – 8 p.m. (with a service at 6:30 p.m.) at Advent Funeral Home located at 7211 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22046. She will be interred at a later date to be announced at Arlington National Cemetery. Our family would love to read any memories or stories you would like to share about your memories of Eleanor.