Obituary of Ellen Edith

ellen edith Local artist and creative spirit, ellen edith, passed away peacefully in her home on May 15, 2011 with Larry, her life partner, at her side. ellen's sparkle, creativity, courage, style and laughter brought joy and art into her community and this world. She was an inspiration to family and friends and a mentor to many. Her colorful garden and art-filled home provided her with constant inspiration and a peaceful playground. A lifetime of creating was sparked as a teenager in Mexico where she was inspired by fabulous colors and textiles. Over her 40-year career, ellen designed handmade clothing, appliqué belts, cartoons and her own fabrics. An astute businesswoman, ellen sold many of her products at craft shows and then on her own website. Her discovery of quilting led to a collection of funny story quilts and the opportunity to entertain hundreds around the state with her humorous lectures and be the featured artist at several quilt shows, at Empty Spools and on a Caribbean cruise. Her story quilts are now touring nationwide. She was a member of the Pajaro Valley Quilt Association and CCTA. ellen, affectionately known as e.e., is lovingly survived by her partner, Larry Spejna & her cat, Jitterbug; her mom, Donna Ward Hogan; her sisters & brother, Kelly Hogan & son, Colin, Richard Hogan & sons, Reilly and Casey; Jill Martinez, her husband Joaquin & children Nicholas, Max, Audrey and Issac; uncles & aunts Steve Ward, Beverly Van Pelt, Bob and Jackie Dane, as well as 17 cousins, including twins, Wendy and Peggy, born on the same day as ellen; and many friends. All who wish to attend are invited to celebrate ellen's life on Sunday August 14, 1-4pm at Harvey West Park Club House. Additional information is available at www.ellenedithcelebration.com