Ellen Fletcher

Ellen Fletcher passed away unexpectedly on April 3rd, 2019 in Seattle as a result of a fall. Ellen was 99 2/3 years old and she was scheduled to travel to Mazatlán on April 4th with her son and daughter-in-law to enjoy a pre- 100th birthday party with her friends in Mexico. She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald H. Fletcher and her three sisters, Ena, Patricia and Mae. Ellen is survived by her son, James L. Fletcher.

Ellen was born in Edmonton, Canada. Her family moved to the Northwest when she was a young girl. She attended middle, and high school in West Seattle, riding the ferry boat daily from Southworth. After graduating, and to help support her family during the Depression, she worked as an usherette at the Paramount Theater. Ellen’s next job was as an elevator operator at Fredrick & Nelson.

Ellen’s big passion as a young adult was dancing. The late 1930’s and early 1040’s was the era of the big bands. She and her husband spend many happy evenings at the Trianon Ballroom, doing the jitterbug, swing and other dances. Ellen loved the waltz. She and her husband won the President Roosevelt’s Birthday Ball trophy in 1938, over 3000 other contestants!

Eventually, she and her beloved second husband, Donald Fletcher, moved to California, living over 40 years in San Maria. There Ellen became the top producing real estate broker for over 18 years. She closed her last real estate transaction at 93, and was still called on for her sage advice by her dedicated clients up to the time of her passing. Ellen loved working with people to help make their dreams come true.

What Ellen loved even more was the Northwest and living on Lake Washington, so in retirement, she and her loving husband of over 50 years moved back to Seattle and bought a home on the lake. They so much enjoyed the peace and tranquility of living there. When her husband passed away 10 years ago, Ellen decided to move into Skyline Towers and had a beautiful condominium on the 23rd floor, giving her gorgeous views of the Seattle skyline. There she met many new friends and enjoyed their camaraderie. They loved her stories about the life she had – and she loved talking about it!

Ellen enjoyed a long, wonderful life. She will always be remembered for her smile, zest for life, her compassion and willingness to help others, and her love of her family. Ellen will truly be missed, but never forgotten. She was an amazing person and a wonderful role model, who will forever be loved!

The family would like to thank the staff at Harborview Hospital for their compassionate care given to Ellen; to the folks at Skyline for their love, understanding and help during this difficult time, and; to the outpouring of affection extended by so many in the community. A private service will be help at Acacia Funeral Home, and a Celebration of Life will follow on her 100th birthday at a place to be announced.