Ellen C. Freeman, 77, passed away unexpectedly on March 31, 2021. She was born to the late Merwin F. and Ruey E. (Merrill) Patterson, in Utica, New York. Ellen began voice lessons at age seven, which started her lifelong love of singing. After graduating from Utica Free Academy, Ellen enlisted in the US Navy and became the first woman to be rated Radioman, after having been informed women were not allowed to attain this classification. She was the first female sailor of the month at her base and soloist at many Navy functions.
Ellen, turned her Navy electronics experience into a 30+ year career with US West. As senior operations manager she successfully fought to obtain equal pay and benefits. She completed her career at IBM.
Ellen and her husband Gary Freeman, married 38 years, traveled the globe. Ellen enjoyed annual fishing trips to Alaska for salmon and halibut. She donated her catch for "Loaves and Fishes" dinners at St. John's Church to serve all that were hungry.
Ellen became volunteer disaster manager with American Red Cross and directed relief efforts in the greater Seattle area. She also volunteered with Group Health Cooperative and Capitol Hill campus. Ellen and Gary were named Citizens of the Week in Seattle.
Ellen, a lifelong Episcopalian, attended St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in West Seattle. She was soloist in the choir, Vestry member, chairperson of Rector Selection, Personnel, Churchyard and countless other committees. Her fine soprano voice will be missed. Ellen participated in mission trips to Ghana and Niger to help install telecommunications infrastructure. She supported a range of charities with generous time and talent. Ellen was an associate of the Convent of St. Helena.
She served the American Legion for 36 years, including as past Commander and Echelon 3 status of American Legion Post 204, one of only two posts dedicated to female service members in the US. For many years she helped support retired and active duty personnel and promoted service activities such as Boys State, base visits, and ship tours for the public.
Ellen also became an excellent marksman, with pistol and rifle, and sponsored others to learn as well.
Ellen is survived by sisters Ruth Dahlof (Ivar), Margaret MacMullen (John), and Frances Abriola (Ed Butler), and numerous nieces and nephews. Final arrangements were made by Evergreen Washelli, Seattle, with internment at Tahoma National Cemetery. Due to Covid-19 there will be no memorial service. Contributions can be made to The American Red Cross of Seattle.
Ellen, turned her Navy electronics experience into a 30+ year career with US West. As senior operations manager she successfully fought to obtain equal pay and benefits. She completed her career at IBM.
Ellen and her husband Gary Freeman, married 38 years, traveled the globe. Ellen enjoyed annual fishing trips to Alaska for salmon and halibut. She donated her catch for "Loaves and Fishes" dinners at St. John's Church to serve all that were hungry.
Ellen became volunteer disaster manager with American Red Cross and directed relief efforts in the greater Seattle area. She also volunteered with Group Health Cooperative and Capitol Hill campus. Ellen and Gary were named Citizens of the Week in Seattle.
Ellen, a lifelong Episcopalian, attended St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in West Seattle. She was soloist in the choir, Vestry member, chairperson of Rector Selection, Personnel, Churchyard and countless other committees. Her fine soprano voice will be missed. Ellen participated in mission trips to Ghana and Niger to help install telecommunications infrastructure. She supported a range of charities with generous time and talent. Ellen was an associate of the Convent of St. Helena.
She served the American Legion for 36 years, including as past Commander and Echelon 3 status of American Legion Post 204, one of only two posts dedicated to female service members in the US. For many years she helped support retired and active duty personnel and promoted service activities such as Boys State, base visits, and ship tours for the public.
Ellen also became an excellent marksman, with pistol and rifle, and sponsored others to learn as well.
Ellen is survived by sisters Ruth Dahlof (Ivar), Margaret MacMullen (John), and Frances Abriola (Ed Butler), and numerous nieces and nephews. Final arrangements were made by Evergreen Washelli, Seattle, with internment at Tahoma National Cemetery. Due to Covid-19 there will be no memorial service. Contributions can be made to The American Red Cross of Seattle.
Ellen C. Freeman, 77, passed away unexpectedly on March 31, 2021. She was born to the late Merwin F. and Ruey E. (Merrill) Patterson, in Utica, New York. Ellen began voice lessons at age seven, which started her lifelong love of singing. After graduating from Utica Free Academy, Ellen enlisted in the US Navy and became the first woman to be rated Radioman, after having been informed women were not allowed to attain this classification. She was the first female sailor of the month at her base and soloist at many Navy functions.
Ellen, turned her Navy electronics experience into a 30+ year career with US West. As senior operations manager she successfully fought to obtain equal pay and benefits. She completed her career at IBM.
Ellen and her husband Gary Freeman, married 38 years, traveled the globe. Ellen enjoyed annual fishing trips to Alaska for salmon and halibut. She donated her catch for "Loaves and Fishes" dinners at St. John's Church to serve all that were hungry.
Ellen became volunteer disaster manager with American Red Cross and directed relief efforts in the greater Seattle area. She also volunteered with Group Health Cooperative and Capitol Hill campus. Ellen and Gary were named Citizens of the Week in Seattle.
Ellen, a lifelong Episcopalian, attended St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in West Seattle. She was soloist in the choir, Vestry member, chairperson of Rector Selection, Personnel, Churchyard and countless other committees. Her fine soprano voice will be missed. Ellen participated in mission trips to Ghana and Niger to help install telecommunications infrastructure. She supported a range of charities with generous time and talent. Ellen was an associate of the Convent of St. Helena.
She served the American Legion for 36 years, including as past Commander and Echelon 3 status of American Legion Post 204, one of only two posts dedicated to female service members in the US. For many years she helped support retired and active duty personnel and promoted service activities such as Boys State, base visits, and ship tours for the public.
Ellen also became an excellent marksman, with pistol and rifle, and sponsored others to learn as well.
Ellen is survived by sisters Ruth Dahlof (Ivar), Margaret MacMullen (John), and Frances Abriola (Ed Butler), and numerous nieces and nephews. Final arrangements were made by Evergreen Washelli, Seattle, with internment at Tahoma National Cemetery. Due to Covid-19 there will be no memorial service. Contributions can be made to The American Red Cross of Seattle.
Ellen, turned her Navy electronics experience into a 30+ year career with US West. As senior operations manager she successfully fought to obtain equal pay and benefits. She completed her career at IBM.
Ellen and her husband Gary Freeman, married 38 years, traveled the globe. Ellen enjoyed annual fishing trips to Alaska for salmon and halibut. She donated her catch for "Loaves and Fishes" dinners at St. John's Church to serve all that were hungry.
Ellen became volunteer disaster manager with American Red Cross and directed relief efforts in the greater Seattle area. She also volunteered with Group Health Cooperative and Capitol Hill campus. Ellen and Gary were named Citizens of the Week in Seattle.
Ellen, a lifelong Episcopalian, attended St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in West Seattle. She was soloist in the choir, Vestry member, chairperson of Rector Selection, Personnel, Churchyard and countless other committees. Her fine soprano voice will be missed. Ellen participated in mission trips to Ghana and Niger to help install telecommunications infrastructure. She supported a range of charities with generous time and talent. Ellen was an associate of the Convent of St. Helena.
She served the American Legion for 36 years, including as past Commander and Echelon 3 status of American Legion Post 204, one of only two posts dedicated to female service members in the US. For many years she helped support retired and active duty personnel and promoted service activities such as Boys State, base visits, and ship tours for the public.
Ellen also became an excellent marksman, with pistol and rifle, and sponsored others to learn as well.
Ellen is survived by sisters Ruth Dahlof (Ivar), Margaret MacMullen (John), and Frances Abriola (Ed Butler), and numerous nieces and nephews. Final arrangements were made by Evergreen Washelli, Seattle, with internment at Tahoma National Cemetery. Due to Covid-19 there will be no memorial service. Contributions can be made to The American Red Cross of Seattle.
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