Mary Elizabeth Eldridge

Mary Elizabeth Eldridge left this world on June 24, 2022. She was loved and cherished by her family and friends. Mary was born on January 10, 1943, to Mary Elizabeth Knee (Coley) and Frederick Henry Knee. She graduated from Virginia Beach High School, and attended William and Mary College where she met her future husband, Albert Francis Eldridge, Jr. Mary earned her Master’s degree in History from Duke University. She worked for Duke University for over 20 years in Perkins Library Rare Book Acquisitions. She learned Russian, enjoyed discovering new cultures, loved books, military history, and her yearly trips to England. Mary had a love for animals and rescued many over the years.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Sarah Colosimo (Eldridge) and her son-in-law Brian Colosimo of Durham, her youngest daughter Catherine Porter Eldridge of Charlotte, NC. Charlie and Bobby, her beloved cats who are living with Catherine in Charlotte. Mary is predeceased by her ex-husband, Albert Francis Eldridge Jr. Her parents Mary Elizabeth Knee (Coley) and Frederick Knee. Her aunt, Helen Carter (Coley) and Wade Hampton Coley, Jr. Her uncles, Alfred Knee, George Knee, Arthur Knee and Albert Knee. Her cats, Janie, Franklin, Winston, Dorie, Agatha, Sammy, Maggie, Ernie and her childhood dog, Amiga and several gerbils.

In lieu of flowers, please send any donations to the Durham County ASPCA.