Nancy Lynn Ellis

February 10, 1943 – April 2, 2020

Our world traveler, devoted friend and lover of life and new adventures, Nancy Lynn Ellis, 77, passed away on April 2 from complications due to the Coronavirus. Born and raised in New Jersey where her roots remained deep, Nancy’s career and passions took her around the world where she made many life-long friends who now mourn her passing but cherish their memories.

A ’61 graduate of Verona High School, Nancy attended Mount Holyoke College and would be celebrating her 55th reunion this spring. Her first job with USAID (the United States Agency for International Development) landed her in Washington, DC, followed by a position with IBM in New York State. In the early 1970s, Nancy was hired by her soon to be good friend Harry with Pan Am Airlines. That offer jump started a career that blended her computer expertise with a ticket to travel. She eventually moved to Atlanta before retiring from Delta Airlines.

As she flew around the United States, South America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, Nancy captured the minds and hearts of all she met along the way. She would think nothing of flying to Brazil for Mardi Gras or Germany for Christmas shopping. If there was a family wedding or birthday party in Scotland or California, she was there. Weather delays flying standby were frequent, but inevitably she had a friend’s home where she could stay. At the same time, Nancy’s homes were always open for friends and family at her beloved Culver Lake house or her Florida condo. Her graciousness extended to the next younger generation that grew up learning how to water ski, wind surf and swim from their “Aunt Nancy.”

A competitive tennis player and trophy-winning bowler, Nancy never missed an opportunity or an event to be with family and friends, often entertaining them with her musical talents on the piano. She played hard and absorbed all of the adventures that life could offer. She especially cherished her role as Aunt, Godmother and Nana to her own extended family and the children and grandchildren of her friends, always proud of their accomplishments and attending many of their special milestones.

Nancy is described by one friend as a “wildflower,” a free spirit with a zest for life. She was a strong, independent woman who was fiercely loyal to her friends and family. At the same time, there was a vulnerability that ran deep into her soul. Nancy’s last few years were difficult as she adjusted to a body that no longer could take her wherever she wanted to go. Stricken with Myasthenia Gravis, along with other health conditions, Nancy was forced to depend on others for simple tasks that most take for granted. She fought hard to remain independent, but when that became more and more elusive, she still maintained her strong-willed personality and determination to get better.

Nancy is survived by her brother Raymond Ellis, sister-in-law Ruth Ellis, niece Beth Ellis, cousin Carolyn Glynn and godson Michael Glynn and his family. Also mourning her loss are her Baechlin, Edwards, Ellis and Young cousins. She was predeceased by her father George Raymond Ellis, mother Mary Edwards Anderson, step-father Andrew Anderson and nephew Anthony Wilson.

In honor of Nancy and a life well lived, contributions are suggested for the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation, Save the Children, Benjamin House Ministries or a charity of your choice. A celebration of Nancy’s extraordinary life will be held this summer at “the lake” as soon as family and friends can all gather together to share our treasured memories and love of Nancy Lynn. Arrangements are by Neptune Cremation Society, Paramus, NJ, 201-909-9845.