Ellen was born in Boston to Joan and William Simpson. Growing up in upstate New York and New Jersey as the eldest of five, she moved to Houston, Texas with her family as she was entering her senior year in high school. She graduated with a small class of barely 100 from Spring High School in 1971.
With a degree in accounting from UT Austin, and after working for several other firms, the budding CPA made her way to University Federal Credit Union, where she spent the balance of her career, working her way up to eventually retire as VP, Enterprise Risk Management. Some might call Ellen tough and tenacious, but she was so much more. She was strong and confident, but also artistic, funny and warm.
There was little that she wasn’t interested in. From American history and politics to literature, biographies, great mysteries and music and science, she loved it all. A meticulous planner, Ellen treasured a good road trip; just ask her sisters! When anyone saw an example of her watercolor and pen artwork, they usually asked for an original. And she always obliged. She loved the American artist Edward Hopper and took a memorable trip to Maine to learn more about him.
Predeceased by her father, Bill Simpson and her dear pup Chilli Beanie, she leaves behind her mother Joan, her two best friends and sisters, Kathy Bales (Larry) and Joanne Gandy (Rocky), along with her brothers Jim and Bob (Mary Anne). Ellen delighted in her many nieces and nephews (the “cousins”), taking note of every achievement and accomplishment. She loved sharing photos of the latest wedding or new baby (the “grands”).
Proud of her Irish and Scottish heritage, Ellen saw her share of hard times, but she was able to see the humor in most of life’s challenges. Miss Marple, her fluffy Coton de Tulear, is probably wondering when mom will come home.
In her memory and in lieu of flowers, please make sure you remember to vote against you know who, and maybe drive someone to the polls. Feel free to also donate in her name to one of her favorite places, the Austin History Center. https://www.austinhistory.net/donationform . Her family and friends will miss her so.
Services are scheduled for 2 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home (5416 Parkcrest Drive, Austin 78731) on Saturday, July 13, 2024.
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