Ellen S. Brakeley ’61

The wife of our classmate George Brakeley, Ellen died of breast cancer Nov. 14, 2014, after a 13-month struggle. She was elected an honorary classmate posthumously in recognition of her service to the class as its unofficial photographer and as an attendee at virtually every class event, including last September’s gathering in San Diego, despite her illness and fragility.

Raised in Southport, Conn., she attended Thomas School and Skidmore College, where she earned a degree in mathematics. Her first marriage ended in divorce but yielded three children. She and George were married in 1999 and lived in New Canaan, Conn. She was a longtime paralegal with a local law firm and was involved in community affairs, notably the Family Fourth Committee, consistent with her passion for fireworks. Fittingly, the celebration of her life on Jan. 10 concluded with fireworks.

She is survived by George; her children, Lisa, Bob, and Sarah and their spouses; George’s children, Bill and Kristin; five grandchildren; and four step-grandchildren. Her spirit and charming presence will be missed.