Elinor “Ellie” Marie Brown passed away on April 17 in Middletown. Born in Quebec in 1935, she emigrated to the US with her parents Harold and Mabel Brown, and her brothers Melvin and Clayton “Jim” Brown, all of whom predeceased her. She was 85.

She is survived by her children Russell (Kathy) Therrien of Hollywood, Maryland, and Cheryl (David) Laferriere of Woodbury; and grandchildren Pamela (Alex) Ziegler of Haverford, Pennsylvania, Philip Cassidy of York, Maine, Lucy Laferriere of Woodbury, and Peter Laferriere, serving in the US Navy on board USS Nimitz (CVN-68). She is also survived by sister-in-law Joan Brown of East Hampton; nephew Clayton (Laura) Brown of Colchester; and niece Holly (Tom) O’Connell of Monson, Massachusetts.

Ellie was an active and enthusiastic spirit. She helped to open Essex Cleaners in the early 60s and was a Cub Scout den mother. After moving to Chester, Elinor worked a horse farm, managed a chicken farm on Goose Hill, assisted the local 4-H group, and played softball with the Zanardi Oilers. She was a talented seamstress, making costumes for her children, friends, and family for years. She stood as an Armed Nuclear Security Officer at Connecticut Yankee power plant, went on to work traffic enforcement for the Town of Chester, and retired on the Chester Public Works crew.

An avid clogger, Ellie performed at many local festivals. She ran white water rapids in Maine, was often seen around town on her motorcycle or in her beloved Jeep, and was very proud to have completed Chester’s first Road Race. Elinor was quick with a smile and a laugh, willing to lend a hand, especially to the elderly.

Burial is to be private, and due to current world affairs, any future memorial service will be at the discretion of the family.