There are some who bring a light so great into the world that even after they have gone, the light remains. Ellen Ross was one of those people.
Ellen J. Ross. Credit: https://www.magnerfuneralhome.com/obituary/Ellen-Ross
Ellen J. Ross, 87, passed away on October 21, 2024, at Norwalk Hospital. Ellen was a resident of New Canaan for 46 years before moving to Fairfield in 2014, and then to Norwalk in 2023.
Ellen is predeceased by her husband, John W. Ross, and her parents, August Jandovitz, and Ellen (Crowe) Jandovitz.
She is survived by her brother Bill Jandovitz (Maureen), her sister Judy Coons, her children, Bonnie Judkins (Mark) and Bill Ross (Annette), and her grandchildren, Amber, Natalie, Anna, Cole, Ingrid, Mia and Georgia. Ellen is also survived by a niece, Annie Yetter (Steve), and nephews Tim Jandovitz, Tom Jandovitz (Jocie), and John K. Ross.
Ellen was born on October 4, 1937, in Queens, NY. She first lived in Woodside, but was raised in Elmhurst, NY. She went to PS 12 and Newtown High School where she graduated early, then attended Queens College. Ellen enjoyed dancing, gymnastics, and reading as a child, and had a feisty personality from a young age!
Ellen met her husband of 55 years in NYC while working at Mutual of New York. They married in 1961. Son, Bill, was adopted in 1966 and the family moved to New Canaan in 1968. Bonnie was adopted in 1970. In support of her children, Ellen became involved in their youth activities- she was a Girl Scout leader, volunteered at many East School events, supported the New Canaan youth football and baseball programs, as well as the New Canaan Summer Theater program.
While in New Canaan, Ellen found her own activities of interest. She was involved with the Newcomers group where she and John met many people who became long-time friends. Ellen had a beautiful singing voice. She joined the Park Street Singers, and the New Canaan Town Players-mostly ensemble roles, but had the leading role of Sarah Brown for NCTP’s production of Guys & Dolls.
Ellen began working in the New Canaan High School’s Audio-Visual department in the early 1980’s, then made the switch into the high school’s library, where she remained until she retired in the early 2000’s. She has always loved reading, so the library position suited her well, but perhaps it was in the Audio-Visual Department where she learned to be so technically savvy, as she remained adept with computers and new technology well into her 80’s!
Ellen was exceptionally supportive of her grandchildren. Ever present in their lives, she devoted her time attending all theater performances, sporting events, recitals, band competitions, and concerts in which they were involved. She loved young people and their energy, and as her grandchildren grew up, she remained interested and enthusiastic about all that they were doing and excited about. She was proud of the people they are becoming and was supportive of all their endeavors. She made sure to research the things they talked about so she could hold up her end of the conversation when she spoke with them!
With a lifelong love of learning, Ellen was always open for trying new things and had a variety of hobbies over the years… when she was younger, she studied German, played tennis, skied, she enjoyed travelling (both domestic and international), she learned to knit, and she was a talented painter. In more recent years, Ellen was involved in a singing group for Seniors in Fairfield, practiced Tai Chi for a bit, and, not too long ago, was a member of three book clubs! Last Fall, she enrolled in a course at Norwalk Community College to study the work of Cole Porter! This past year, she pared down to just one book club but continued to enjoy lunch dates after the meetings with two special friends! She taught herself how to stream programs on television and remained a voracious reader right to the end. She kept her mind sharp through her reading and continued learning, as well as daily brain games including the NYTimes crossword puzzle, Wordle, Strands, and Connections.
Ellen held a positive outlook, and a smile on her face. She was a social, outgoing person who enjoyed thoughtful conversation and sometimes even a heated discussion! She loved her family, and she valued her friendships. She was curious, kind, honest, generous, and resilient. She was truly genuine. And she will be missed beyond measure.
To honor her wishes, we will not be having a funeral service but are choosing to honor her life with celebration on February 15th 2025. Details will be announced at a later time.
If you would like to make a contribution in Ellen’s memory, please consider any of the following organizations:
American Stroke Association
American Heart Association
Your local library
Bigelow Center for Senior Activities- Fairfield, CT
[This obituary appeared on the Magner Funeral Home website.]