Susan Marie Ellis-Hermansen

Old Town - With deep sadness, the family of Susan Marie Ellis-Hermansen announce her passing on Saturday, October 14, 2017. She is survived by her best friend and husband of 39 years, Knud Hermansen, and her three children, Knud (Alita), Kiva, and Kai (Mandi), as well as her brother, Berkley Ellis, and her favorite photograph subjects, her grandsons Knud Peter and Trygve and granddaughter to be, Kaylana.

Sue was born in Philadelphia on February 28, 1954, to U. Berkley Ellis and Anna (Miller) Ellis. As an undergrad at Albright College, she met the dashing Knud Hermansen, then serving in the Marines as a surveyor. Station Sue, a survey point in the Aegean Sea still bears Sue's name as witness to their early love. Sue wore daisies in her hair at their wedding on September 9th, 1978.

Sue was a dedicated nurse, bringing her love and care to patients in Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maine. While a young mom, Sue pursued her Master's in Nursing from Penn State and went on to teach nursing at Husson College in Bangor and University of Maine Orono. Sue loved the learning process, and brought her considerable creativity to designing her classes.

Nursing was just one way that Sue's tangible love of people came through. She loved (loved) to be around people, making them feel welcome, hearing their stories, and jumping deeply into conversations over a meal or a hike, while skiing, kayaking, or officiating a swim meet. She made homemade treats for friends and family at the holidays and always tucked a handmade card or favorite novel into care packages. Sue was a devoted Christian and her faith gave her much comfort and solace during her long battle with Parkinson's disease. A memorial will be held next summer. Donations may be made in her name to the United Baptist Church of Old Town, 86 Middle St., Old Town, ME 04468.