Ellen F. Renn

On Sunday, September 10, 2017, Ellen Frances Anderson Renn went to dwell in the House of the Lord, where her light will shine forever. On February 16, 1962 the world was graced by the birth of Ellen Anderson. Ellen grew up as one of five children, in a household with three sisters and a brother. In her life, Ellen became a Mother, a Wife, a Sister, a Daughter, and a devoted Follower of Christ. Life was full for her...and we take solace in that knowledge, even though she was not here as long as we wanted her to be. It is a privilege for us all to share in her light, who Ellen was to her family and the world. Mother: Karl was born April 23, 1982. She loved him wholeheartedly for the joy and laughter he brought. Ellen was a devoted mom to Karl and always put his needs above her own. In recent years, she enjoyed trips to Boston to catch up with him. She also loved birds and those birds had a great mother as well. Wife: Michael Alan Renn and Ellen Frances Anderson were married November 9, 1991 at Ascension Catholic Church in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She adored Michael; you could see it in how she looked at him and how she glowed when she was with him. Ellen often shared that Michael was the best thing that ever happened to her and Karl. She once gave Mike a St. Michael pendant that he has worn every day since. Together, they built a wonderful life and a great love. Follower of Christ: Ellen was introduced to the Catholic faith through Mike and became a Catholic when they married. The family believed that when she joined the Church went up a level and became stronger. She attended Mass faithfully at Sacred Heart and Holy Spirit. She was a faithful servant in many capacities including helping with the accounting. She was prayerful, often reaching for her Rosary when she couldn't sleep. Work: As a single mother in her 20's she completed computer programing training and passed the GSA test. Smart and determined, she rose to management with no formal college education. Ellen held a number of information technology jobs for the Navy. She was willing and able to work on many different aspects of IT including programming, cable installation, program and acquisition management, and cyber security. She was relied upon for large projects which sometimes required travel. Yoga: Ellen had a beautiful yoga practice. She saw its value in health and spirit. She was enthusiastic about sharing her experience and her books, to help us find what she found. Ellen had overcome depression and grew to become a positive influence on all those around her, helping others gain her positive outlook on life, with ceaseless energy. It was obvious to all she had found her own peace and joy. Family: Ellen was a regular at all family get together and dinners. She made it a point to be there and enjoy the family time. Ellen gave good hugs and was happy to share them. She was always glad to see family and greeted them with her beautiful smile. She was quick to help cleanup after outings or to lend a hand cleaning in the kitchen. Ellen preferred to sample all the food at family events, especially desserts, so she took smaller amounts. Her samplings were lovingly referred to as "Ellen size portions." She was a good listener and always took the time to talk to everyone. To the younger ones in the family she was a fun and playful aunt, always ready for a game of cards or a coloring book. It was nice to get a gift from her as they were always well thought out and appropriate. Ellen was a dear sister. To quote her brother, Richard, "She was the best of us." To the Renn family she was a real sister...not just the in-law. She was shoulder to lean on, an uplifting spirit. Peace: Peace can be defined as quiet, serenity, harmony, truth. Many of us can walk around wondering if we are missing some "thing" that we need to make us happy. Ellen had it figured out. She had come to a place of sincere happiness. She learned how to let go of what needed letting go, and how to cling to what nourished her. When we begin to miss her or wonder why she was taken from us at this time, we can remind ourselves that she reached a height not all of us reach. She was rooted in kindness and love. She found true peace of heart, peace of mind, and peace of soul. It was within her, and she shared it with those around her. Let us also find comfort in knowing that we will all be united again at the Resurrection. Since Ellen was so passionate about yoga, it seems relevant to close with a traditional yoga mantra: "My soul honors your soul. I honor the light, love, truth, beauty, and peace within you because it is also within me. In sharing these things, we are united, we are the same. We are one. Namaste"