Ellen Eden

Ellen M. Eden of Thousand Oaks passed away peacefully August 28, 2022 surrounded by family and friends. Ellen was a loving wife and mother who was tireless in her philanthropy, always helping others and making our world a better place. The three words that best describe Ellen are “caring, helpful and giving”. Ellen was born in Waterman, IL on October 15, 1924 to Raymond and Frances Mercer, successful farmers. Ellen spent her early years in rural Illinois attending a one-room country schoolhouse. Growing up during the Great Depression, Ellen recounts special memories of her father treating her weekly to a 5-cent ice cream cone, even with money tight. Ellen met her husband to be, Raymond L. Eden, at his high school graduation in Lee, IL. It was love at first sight. They married shortly after Ray returned home from serving in the army in Germany during WWII. Ellen also did her part during WWII, working at a defense factory examining anti-aircraft shells, she was a ‘WAC’ of sorts. She was also a Nurse’s Aide - her ‘best job ever’. Ellen and Ray have one son, Steven Mercer Eden, who is a corporate attorney. Ray was an accomplished health care executive and in the early seventies the family settled in a lovely home on the ocean overlooking Catalina Island in Rancho Palos Verdes. Ellen participated and led many efforts for S.O.C. (Save Our Coastline) and was involved in many other organizations in Palos Verdes. Ellen and Ray were proud members of the California Club and the Neighborhood Church in Palos Verdes Estates for many years. In the early seventies, Ellen became a proud member of P.E.O. and remained an active member until her passing. The Eden’s enjoyed many trips across the globe over the years with a passion for Hawaii and Norway. In 2001, Ellen and Ray relocated to Thousand Oaks to be closer to their devoted son Steven and son-in-law Jon Tanaka. After Ray’s passing, Ellen loved spending time with the kids at their home in Palm Springs. Ellen enjoyed her many dogs over the years including Suzy, Buddy and Max, and her beloved grand-dogs, Kalani and Leilani. Ellen is survived by Steven and Jon. A gravesite service will occur at 11:00am on Friday September 9, 2022 at Green Hills in Palos Verdes. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to P.E.O., the American Heart Association or your local animal shelter.