Ellen E. Desmarais, 89, Green Bay, passed away Monday morning, December 15, 2014. Born in Beloit, July 18, 1925, she is the daughter of the late Albert and Elizabeth (Cowan) Johnson. Ellen married Robert Desmarais on January 20, 1946, who preceded her in death on October 6, 2014. She interrupted her education at UW-Madison and raised her family but went back to school at UW-Parkside graduating with a degree in English. Ellen worked as an assistant librarian for 25 years at Washington Junior High School in Kenosha. While in retirement, they enjoyed warm winters in Florida where they spent many hours playing golf and bowling. Ellen’s top priority in life was her family.
Ellen is survived by her four children and their spouses, Jeanellyn (John) Schwarzenbach of Green Bay, David (Juanita) Desmarais of Seneca, SC, Robert Alan (Nadine) Desmarais of Oak Creek, and Donna (John) Puffer of Brookfield; eleven grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren; many relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Ruth (Howard) Maxwell; nephew, Jeffrey Maxwell.
A memorial service will be held at St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, 347 S. Libal Street, De Pere, Saturday at 5:00 P.M. with the Rev. Eric Mills officiating. Malcore (East) Funeral Home cared for the family.
Ellen’s family extends a special thank you to the caring staff of Age Well Assisted Living Center and Southern Care Hospice.