Mary Ellen Trowbridge

A native of Alexandria, Virginia, Mary Ellen was born on August 12, 1936 to Thomas C. Peyton and Winifred Irene Elliott Peyton. The Peyton’s are a historic family in Virginia dating back to 1656. Her 3rd Great-grandfather, Francis Peyton, moved to Alexandria in the 1700’s, was mayor during 1797-1798 and 1799-1800 and represented the City of Alexandria at the funeral of George Washington. Mary Ellen attended Grace Episcopal Church and George Washington HS in Alexandria and Mary Washington College for Women in Fredericksburg.

She moved to the Tampa area in 1987 and has been a passionate, kind and caring member in numerous community programs. Mary Ellen loved to welcome everyone and sing in the choir at the semi-annual Blackstone Retreat, where she served as a Hostess for 40 years. She was also a member of numerous boards including the Salvation Army and the Lake Yale Spring Retreat. She dedicated her life to service and was always willing to share her experience, strength and hope.

Mary Ellen will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Col. Clarence Arthur (Cappy) Trowbridge (Retired) and her family including her daughter Dana Wehman Hall (Gary), stepchildren Michael Trowbridge (Debra), Paul Trowbridge, Susanne Wright (Dale), Thomas Trowbridge and Leslie Downs (Bruce), 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren (one more in July) as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, T. Hugh Peyton, Winifred R Peyton Breedlove, Zora Peyton Parker, Audrey Peyton Harvey, Jean Peyton Agnew, Gloria Peyton Coffee Jones.

Mary Ellen’s joy for life was unsurpassed and was often summed up with her quote that “I am not perfect, but I am excellent”. A celebration of MaryEllen’s life will be held on Sunday, June 17, 2018 at the Blount and Curry Carrollwood Funeral Home on Bearss Avenue in Tampa.

Memorial donations may be made in the name of “Mary Ellen Trowbridge” to: Al-Anon Family Groups, 1600 Corporate Landing Parkway, Virginia Beach, VA 23454-5617 [email protected]