Ellen Donaldson, age 79, of La Porte, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 10, at Northwest Hospital in La Porte.
Born on June 29, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, Ellen was the daughter of the late William Donaldson and Evelyn Del Priore. She graduated from high school in Chicago in 1964 and went on to build a long and dedicated career with the Department of Defense, where she worked for nearly 30 years as a Contracts Technician. Ellen took great pride in her work and found genuine fulfillment in her role, earning the respect of colleagues through her diligence, integrity, and unwavering commitment.
Ellen was known for her straightforward, no-nonsense personality. She spoke her mind freely and stood firm in her beliefs, never hesitating to say “no” when something did not meet her standards. Beneath her strong exterior was a deeply loyal and loving woman who cherished her family above all else. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her children and grandchildren, who brought light and laughter to her life.
She had a love for life’s simple pleasures and unique interests. Ellen enjoyed watching movies—Turkish romance films—she also loved science fiction. She found joy in thrifting and antique hunting, always on the lookout for hidden treasures. In her younger years, she had a special talent for restoring old furniture, breathing new life into pieces that others might have overlooked. Ellen would like to get out when possible to window shop and wander the store aisles; she was a big fan of tootling around. She had a wonderful laugh and sense of humor that, when annoyed, made her laugh even more.
Ellen is survived by her son, Scott Endicott; her daughter, Lisa Endicott (Isaac McGraw); her beloved grandchildren, Breonna, Marcos, Jacob, Eva, Aaron, Bella, and Tianna; and her sisters, Pam Arnold, brother-in-law (Larry), Debbie Donaldson, and Kim Donaldson.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Bill Donaldson, and her sister, Darlene Donaldson.
A private celebration of Ellen’s life and burial will be held on Tuesday, May 26, at Pine Lake Cemetery.
Ellen will be remembered for her strength, her honesty, and the deep love she held for her family. Ellen will be remembered for being a mom that all kids hope for, and all kids should have, the mom who will be with us forever. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched and the memories that will be cherished by those who knew her best.
