Ellen was born January 5, 1939 in Corby, Northamptonshire, U.K. to Archie and Hilda Shanks. She was preceded in death by her brother, Robert; and sisters, Mary and Margaret. Her brothers David and Archie have survived her.
Ellen immigrated to the U.S. in 1967 and took up residence in New Jersey where she lived until 2001. She moved to Oregon with her daughter Catherine and lived here for the last 23 years.
Ellen completed her associates degree in applied science from Bergen Community College with an emphasis in data processing/accounting in 1979. She worked for various companies over the years: Stewarts & Lloyds (U.K.), Mercedes-Benz, Burmah-Castrol Oils, JCPenney, and Office Max.
Ellen was a kind and gentle soul. She loved her family very much. She was outgoing and fierce. She was a domestic violence and breast cancer survivor. She raised her daughter Catherine primarily by herself. In her spare time, she loved to knit, sew, craft, and flower arranging. Ellen had many fond memories going to the Jersey shore and Oregon coast with family and friends. Her most recent favorite activity was tea parties with her granddaughter.
She is survived by her daughter, Catherine; son-in-law, Jeffrey; and granddaughter, Juliette.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 24, at St. James Episcopal Church, 11511 SW Bull Mountain Road, Tigard.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Episcopal Church.
