Mrs. Nathalie N Ellis

Nathalie Needham Ellis passed away on Friday, the 18th of February 2011 in Houston, Texas. Nathalie was born on the 3rd of May 1925, in Boston, Massachusetts, her home until she left to attend Connecticut College. After graduating in 1946 with a degree in economics, Nathalie married Louis Towson Ellis. They were married for 62 years until Towson's death in 2008.

Nathalie and Towson left the Boston area when Towson accepted a position with Exxon Corporation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. In 1961 Nathalie and Towson relocated with Exxon to Houston, Texas.

Nathalie was an active church member at St. Francis Episcopal Church and later at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church. She was also active for many years with the Junior League of Baton Rouge and Houston. Her husband's passion for tennis led them to become one of the founding members of the Houston Racquet Club.

Nathalie had a special love and compassion for animals, and they brought endless joy to her life. Her biggest passion, though, was her family. Nathalie's loving and giving nature made her the "heart" of the family. She was always an active participant in her children and grandchildren's lives. Those who knew her were drawn to her warmth. Her gracious spirit and delicious cooking made her the consummate hostess.

Nathalie will be dearly missed by her children and their spouses: son David Towson Ellis and wife Bernadette; daughters Pamela Joan Ellis, Sherry Ellis Farhy and husband Dennis, and Susan Ellis Brittain and husband Trey; as well as grandchildren Michael Ellis and wife Amanda, Daniel Ellis, Lisa Ellis, Christopher Brittain, and Allison Brittain.

A memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o'clock in the morning on Thursday, the 24th of February 2011, at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, 12535 Perthshire Road in Houston, where Fr. David Puckett, Rector, is to officiate.

Immediately following the service, all are invited to greet the family during a reception in the adjacent Parish Hall.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Nathalie's name be directed to the Citizens for Animal Protection, 17555 Katy Freeway Houston, TX, 77094; the Houston Humane Society, 14700 Almeda Road, Houston, TX, 77053; the Houston SPCA, 900 Portway Drive, Houston, TX, 77024; or to the charity of one's choice.