I’d like the memory of me to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an afterglow of smiles when life is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down the ways,
Of happy times and laughing times and bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve to dry before the sun
Of happy memories that I leave when life is done.
Ellen Marie LaJoie was born on November 15, 1943 in Louisville, Kentucky. She was a graduate of Saint Anthony’s Nursing School in Louisville. She later joined the US Navy Nursing Corp in 1966.
The Navy enabled Ellen to travel, and her first overseas post was Guam. In the Navy, Ellen met Oliver LaJoie, a young Naval aviator. They married in 1971 at the Naval Air Station at Quonset Point, Rhode Island. She continued her Navy career after her marriage and motherhood, and retired in 1990 after 25 years of service at the rank of Commander.
Ellen passed away in her sleep on May 6th in Seattle. She is survived by her husband Oliver, daughter Kristan, son-in-law Brian Bass, grandchildren Henry and Brendan Bass, nieces Michelle Smart and Dana Dicken and nephew Douglas Hensel.
All are welcome to sign the online guestbook below and add any messages or stories for the family.
