Ellen Jane Nielsen

Ellen Jane (Pooler) Nielsen, 76, passed away surrounded by the love of her family after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on March 27, 1949, she was the eldest of five children of Stanley Henry Pooler of Scarborough and Catherine Agnes (Spiller) Pooler of South Portland. She grew up in a busy, lively home with her siblings—Cathy Mae, Roberta Jean, Stanley Richard, and Philip Edward—and carried that deep sense of family throughout her entire life.

Ellen graduated from South Portland High School in 1967 and the Golden School of Beauty Culture in 1968, beginning a career as a hairdresser that lasted more than twenty years. She poured her skill, creativity, and warmth into her work, forming lifelong friendships along the way.

On May 3, 1969, Ellen married the love of her life, Richard Carleton “beloved” Nielsen. Their marriage, full of deep devotion and partnership, spanned nearly fifty years until Richard’s passing in 2018. Together they raised four children, of whom Ellen was endlessly proud: Richard (Geneva), Scott (Michelle), Sonja, and Eric (Kelli).

Ellen’s joy only grew as her family expanded. She was a proud “Grammy” and “Mimi” to her grandchildren—Kylie, Morgan, Madison, Nick, Lily, Jessica, and Samantha—and her great-grandchildren Avery and Ellie. Every stitch, hug, conversation, and holiday tradition was infused with her love for them.

A longtime member of the Scarborough Free Baptist Church beginning in 1974, Ellen poured her energy into her church family for decades. She served as a Pioneer Girls teacher for over 10 years, Vacation Bible School director, Sunday School superintendent, and Deaconess, touching countless young lives with her patience, faith, and warmth. Even as her health and energy changed, her love for her church community never did.

Ellen also served her wider community. She worked 15 years in school lunch programs across every Scarborough school, and later spent 10 years at Unum as a cash processor, a job she often described as “the most rewarding one I ever had

Creativity was woven into Ellen’s identity. She was an exceptional knitter, crocheter, and needlepoint artist—well known as the “mitten lady” at church and school fairs, having created over 500 pairs over the years. Her handmade treasures, from mittens and hats to afghans and holiday décor, won more than 20 ribbons, many of them first place. More importantly, they warmed the homes and hearts of family and friends who received them as gifts, each piece stitched with love.

Ellen never lost her sense of humor or her talent for conversation—many lovingly said she had the “gift of gab.” She remained close with lifelong friends for more than fifty years, never letting time or distance dim her connections.

In recent years, Ellen bravely faced a cancer diagnosis with determination and hope. Chemo was difficult, but she fought with the goal of ringing the “cancer-gone bell.” She was deeply grateful for the compassionate team at the Sanford Infusion Center, whom she cherished dearly, saying, “I started with them, and they’ll be with me to the end.”

Ellen loved decorating for the holidays, cheering on her children in everything they did, and celebrating even the smallest joys. She leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, creativity, and faith—carried forward by her family, friends, and everyone blessed by her kindness.

A celebration of life will be held at the Scarborough Free Baptist Church on January 17th from 2-4. We will be collecting hats, mittens and scarves to donate to the homeless in Ellen’s name.