Ellen Marie Shiptenko

Ellen Marie Shiptenko, 82, of Westerville, passed away on December 18, 2021. She was born on October 7, 1939, in Warren OH, to the late Helen (Hrees) Malacky and Victor Malacky. A graduate of Warren G. Harding High School (’57), Ellen Marie went on to study at Kent State (’61) for her undergraduate degree and Indiana University (’64) for her Master of Arts (Teacher) degree.

An employee of the Troy Ohio schools for 25 years, Ellen Marie was a high school French teacher. A true Francophile, ‘Madame’ was known not only for teaching the language but also for spurring interest in the culture altogether, including food, history, geography and art. This passion for all things French led Madame to lead periodic Summer student trips all over France, and other European cities, allowing students to partake in the cultural experiences that meant so much to her personally.

In addition to her career and love of France, Ellen Marie was a woman of great and varied interests. She was a member of the Westerville Gardening Club, her book club, Scioto Valley Chorus, the Red Hat Society and a consummate gourmet chef. A woman of deep faith, Ellen Marie was also a member of the Holy Cross Orthodox Mission congregation, where she sang in the choir.

However, above all else, Ellen Marie loved being Baba (grandmother). Her endless energy in loving her grandchildren and friends’/relatives’ children and cultivating their interests was recognized by all who knew her as her utmost driving passion. There was never anything Ellen Marie would not do for the children in her life.

Ellen Marie will be greatly missed by her husband, Paul E. Shiptenko; children, Paula (Matthew) Hendrix, and Peter (Michelle Krall) Shiptenko; grandchildren, Alexandra and Nathaniel Hendrix, Grant, Luke, and Jack Robinson; siblings, June Bagby and Ralph (Kathleen) Michaels; nieces and nephews, Sam Bagby and Mary Helen Niemi; cousin, Patricia (William) Zylka; close friends, Curt, Marnee, Liam, and Evie Besser; and many extended family and friends.

A public visitation will be held on Monday, December 27, 2021, from 5PM until 8PM and a Prayer Service will be held at 7:30PM at the Schoedinger Worthington funeral home, 6699 North High St., Worthington OH, 43085. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at 10AM, at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 555 North High St., Columbus OH, 43215, with interment to follow immediately afterwards at Resurrection Cemetery, 9571 High St. (Route 23 North), Lewis Center OH 43035.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ellen Marie’s name may be made to International Orthodox Christian Charities, PO Box 17398, Baltimore MD 21298-9242.