Ellen Claire Freeman

Ellen Claire Freeman, 77, passed away unexpectedly on March 31, 2021. Born to the late Merwin F. and Ruey E. (Merrill) Patterson, in Utica, New York. Ellen received voice lessons at age seven, which began her lifelong love of singing. After graduating from Utica Free Academy, Ellen proudly enlisted in the US Navy and became the first woman to be rated a Radioman, after having been informed women were not allowed to attain this classification. For the first of many times in her life, Ellen considered being told “no” merely an incentive to find a way to “yes”. She was the first female sailor of the month at her base and soloist at many official Navy functions.

Ellen turned her Navy electronics experience into a 30+ year career with US West. As senior operations manager she successfully fought to obtain equal pay and retirement benefits. Ellen then worked for IBM for over ten years.

Ellen and her husband Gary Freeman, married 38 year, traveled the globe. Ellen enjoyed annual fishing trips to Alaska for salmon and halibut. She donated her catch for “Loaves and Fishes” dinners at St. John’s Church to serve all that were hungry.

Ellen became a volunteer disaster manager with American Red Cross and directed relief efforts in the greater Seattle area, and also volunteered with Group Health Cooperative and Capitol Hill campus.

Ellen, a lifelong Episcopalian, attended St John the Baptist Episcopal Church in West Seattle. She was soloist in the choir, Vestry member, chairperson of Rector Selection, Personnel, Churchyard and countless other committees and as Parish Delegate to diocesan conventions for over forty years. Her fine soprano voice will be missed. Ellen participated in mission trips to Ghana and Niger to help install telecommunications infrastructure. She supported a range of charities with generous time and talent. Ellen was also an associate of St. Helena Convent.

Ellen served the American Legion for 36 years, including past Commander and Echelon 3 status, of American Legion Post 204, one of only two posts dedicated to female service members in the US. For many years she helped support retired and active-duty personnel and promoted service activities as Boys State, base visits, and ship tours for the public.

Ellen also became an excellent marksman, with pistol and rifle, and sponsored others to learn as well.

Ellen is survived by sisters Ruth Dahlof (Ivar), Margaret MacMullen (John) and Fran Abriola (Ed Butler) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Final arrangements were made by Evergreen Washelli, Seattle, with internment at Tahoma National Cemetery. Due to Covid-19 there will be no memorial service.

Contributions can be made to the American Red Cross Seattle.