Ellen Ebba Ashton

Ellen Ebba (Smith) Ashton passed away peacefully on June 17, 2021, with her children by her side. Ellen was born on May 18, 1946, in Norwalk, Connecticut. She lived a happy childhood in Westport surrounded by her loving extended family. She graduated from John Glenn High School in Elwood, New York in 1964. A gifted artist, she was accepted at Cooper Union School of Art in Manhattan. After living in New York City for a time, she married and started a family in Huntington, New York.

Ellen settled in Bradford, New Hampshire in 1977 to be closer to family and enjoy the countryside. She expressed her artistic talents through her extensive gardens and with her fine portraiture. An avid reader, she fortuitously found a career as well as a wonderful community of friends at New England College Library where she worked for over 25 years. She had a passion for learning and continued studies in science and the arts. After retiring, she relocated to Florida to enjoy a Golden Girl life of relaxation and adventure with her lifelong best friend. She recently returned to New Hampshire to be near her family.

Ellen was a loving and generous mother and mormor. She loved animals, laughter, cooking, music, and dancing to Motown. Ellen was happiest when gathering with family and friends to celebrate holidays and life's milestones.

Ellen is predeceased by her parents Ebba and Edgar Smith, her uncle, Roy Ekelund, and her brother, Kenneth Smith. Ellen will be greatly missed by her children, Kenneth, Karin, and Christopher Ashton, their families, her sister-in-law, Susan Smith, her beloved grandchildren Charlie and Ella, and many more.

A celebration of her life will be held on August 28, at 1:00 p.m. at Wadleigh State Park in Sutton, New Hampshire.