Ellen Thorne Whitaker

Ellen is survived by her two sons, Lee (Laura) and Brett (Anne Marie), and four wonderful grandchildren, Grant, Meredith, Madeleine, and Bridget, whom she loved dearly. She is also survived by her sister, Donna Zeitter, as well as cherished brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, and the many friends she and Bart formed over the years.

Ellen was born on May 22nd, 1943, to J. Lee and Dorothy Thorne in Philadelphia, PA. After graduating from Upper Darby High School in 1960, she graduated from Penn State University as a member of the class of 1964 where she also studied abroad at The University of Salamanca in Spain during her junior year.

In 1966, Ellen met Bart while both working at IBM in Philadelphia, PA, fell in love and married in 1969. They settled in the Philadelphia suburbs (West Chester and Exton) where they raised their two sons Lee and Brett. They later relocated to St. Simons Island, GA after Bart retired from IBM.

Ellen’s family and friends knew how much she loved color; it was the essence of her life. Gardening and flowers were a passion and she enjoyed creating floral arrangements for family events and the Winterthur museum. She treasured works of art (particularly that of her father, children, and grandchildren), music, and musicals. Ellen enjoyed travel too; from her coast-to-coast road trip with her aunt Anna when she was younger, to her lifelong love of visiting the New Jersey shore (especially Brigantine Island), or taking European river cruises and walking tours. Whether through her perfectly turned-out decorating and fashion style, to the colorful language she used when talking about a round of golf, Philadelphia sports, or her beloved Nittany Lions --- she lived vibrantly.

Most of all, Ellen was a loving grandmother, mother, aunt, and spouse. She fiercely adored her family and encouraged her children and grandchildren to be curious and always seek to learn new things, meet new people, and try different experiences. Ellen was happiest when hosting family holidays and vacations as well as listening to the academic, artistic, and athletic accomplishments of her grandchildren.

Ellen was predeceased by her husband Bart, parents J. Lee and Dorothy and sister Linda Ranieri, her aunt “Anna” MacKay, and her cousin “Dottie” Ann Higgins.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation in Ellen’s name be made to either The American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) or First Tee – Golden Isles (www.firstteegoldenisles.org). There will be a celebration of life on Sunday, June 18th, 2023, from 10 – 11:30 am at Schoedinger Margarum Northeast Funeral Home, 1051 E Johnstown Rd, Gahanna, OH 43230. If attending, please celebrate Ellen by wearing bright, vibrant colors.

Please take a moment to share a special memory of Ellen with the family below.