Ellen Sofie Magnussen

January 25, 1928 – October 25, 2016

Ellen S Magnussen, 88, of Auburn, Maine, passed away on October 25, 2016. She was born in Gjarpen, Norway on January 25, 1928. She was married to Frank A Magnussen, also originally from Norway. Ellen was known for her positive spirit, her love of nature and her artistry. At a young age she learned to draw and continued creating art throughout her lifetime. Upon moving to Denmark when she married Frank, she worked for a fashion designer as a pattern maker and model. The couple moved to Quebec, but their long-term goal was to move to the US, which they did in the 1960s, to Rhode Island. In addition to raising her surviving children, Erik of Greene, and Linda of Warren, VT, she kept an active hand in many artistic pursuits. She always found time for her painting and the first thing she would pack for a trip, was her paint box and easel. She was a trained seamstress and started a successful fabric business at the height of the sewing craze, running classes and advising woman on their fashion wardrobes.

While living in Rhode Island, Ellen and Frank purchased their home on Lower Sandy River Pond in the 1970s. They chose the Rangeley Lakes region because it reminded them of Norway with the vast forests and mountain terrain, and four seasons bringing lots of snow for cross country skiing. They created their own electric energy with a windmill and solar panels and loved living off the grid. Frank built Ellen an art studio overlooking the pond and she continued to paint and exhibited her artwork at local events. Ellen and Frank became involved in the community through volunteering and working actively at the Rangeley Congregational Church.

In addition to her children, Ellen is survived by Linda’s husband, Gary Link, and her three grandchildren, Kristin, from McCarthy, AK, Sarah, from London, UK, and Anders, from New York, NY. Ellen inspired all of her grandchildren’s interests in the arts and her creative spirit lives on with them.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Ellen’s life by visiting her guest book at www.thefortingroupauburn.com

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2016 at Schooner Estates, 200 Stetson Road, Auburn, ME, from 10:00am with an informal visitation and refreshments, followed by a service at 11:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ellen’s memory to The Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, 15 Strawberry Ave. Lewiston, ME 04240 http://www.ahch.org/Ways-to-Give where Ellen crocheted several hundred blankets and shawls for hospice residents. Arrangements are under the care of The Fortin Group/Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation & Monument Services 217 Turner St. Auburn 783-8545