CONCORD-Ellen Wing Sisson Sheridan completed her last important task, leaving this world and her many efforts to make it better on August 15, 2017, at the age of 86. We sang her on her way.
Ellen was born December 11, 1930, in Potsdam, NY, second child of Irma Rutherford and George Wing Sisson and fourth generation in a large family of what she called "community gentry." She was exposed to world class musicians at an early age, due to family involvement with Potsdam's premier music school; she also started a lifelong love of nature with horseback rides and camping along the Saint Lawrence River.
She attended the Mary Burnham School of Northampton, Massachusetts, and graduated with honors and Phi Beta Kappa membership from Wellesley College. In 1953 she married Charlie Sheridan, challenging social norms of the day by joining her Presbyterian upbringing to an Irish Catholic family. Ellen bore four children and nursed her second child through a fatal illness. As a mother, she encouraged exploration, creativity, engagement with the arts, and reflection on the meaning of life and one's purpose in being here.
Ellen worked for 20 years as a professional pioneering public education and support services for those stricken with Alzheimer's disease. She was a lifelong crusader for social justice, active in promoting and advocating for child day care, mental health issues, peace action, social justice, church social action, LGBT rights and supports, women's issues, and elder rights and long term care issues. After retirement from the State Division of Health and Human Services, she chaired the NH State Committee on Aging, with emphasis on legislative advocacy. She was a member of South Congregational Church for 55 years and served a term as its president. She served on and chaired boards for many social welfare agencies in Concord over the years.
Ellen loved hiking in NH's woods and mountains, making her last hike over Lincoln, Haystack, and Lafayette when she was 79. She enjoyed travels to Europe, China, and Egypt, always seeking to learn deeply about the social and historical context of the places she visited. She bicycled all over the country and enjoyed rollerblading up until her 80th birthday. Stricken heavily by a stroke that damaged her ability to use language, she applied her intelligence and determination to overcoming that obstacle every day for the last 6 years of her life.
Ellen is survived by her husband, Charlie Sheridan; her children, Amy, Timothy, and Cornelia (Cosy) Sheridan, and her granddaughter, Emma Halter. She was predeceased by her son, Matthew Sheridan and by her brother, Andrew Sisson.
A service in Ellen's memory will be held at South Congregational Church, 27 Pleasant St. Concord, on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations as "Tribute to Ellen Sheridan" to the Southern Poverty Law Center or to the Concord Coalition to End Homelessness.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Bennett Funeral Home.
September 13, 2017
Bobbi Blades
When my husband and I moved from Germany to NH to care for both of our parents Ellen was like an oasis in the desert, teaching us about Alzheimer's, dementia, elder resources and advocacy for seniors. She linked us to Danuta's caregiver support group, John Tobin at NH Legal Assistance and Gimme Hardy and Laura Althof at the state Ombudsmen. Her advice and support guided us through some challenging times and helped us appreciate the good times and humor along the way. Years later I ran into her again when attending Cosy concerts, as Ellen and Charlie offered home baked brownies at intermission time. Cosy's song Lullabies about her own mother, would later comfort me through the loss of my own, dear mother. With deep appreciation for the many gifts-
August 31, 2017
Meg Nelson
Rich and I are very sad about Ellen's loss. She and Charlie were wonderful mentors and friends when we came to Concord many years ago and helped make us feel part of the Sulloway family. I was always impressed by her commitment to helping others and making the world a better place. I appreciated her sense of fun and adventure as well and enjoyed hearing about summers on the island on Lake Sunapee and the bike trips she and Charlie took with Elderhostel in later years. She will be missed. Meg Nelson
August 28, 2017
Bruce Brody
So sorry to hear about Ellen passing on. I first knew she and Charlie as a young psychologist at Concord Mental Health Center in the early 1970's. I have been gone from N.H. since 1978 and now live in the infamous town of Berkeley Ca. My condolences to Charlie and the family. Ellen was one of those pillars of the community.
August 27, 2017
Randy Hayes
My heart goes out to each member of Ellen's family and circle of friends in the wake of her recent death. She was a determined and compassionate woman, who focused on the needs of others even in the midst of intense personal suffering. Please accept my condolences.
August 26, 2017
Julie Eades
It was such a loss when Ellen fell ill and now to lose her entirely. Besides being a friend and donor to the NH Community Loan Fund, I always learned so much from her tough questions and insightful suggestions. Our elder care work would not have been the same without her "smarts"!
August 25, 2017
Jim Hunt
In the aftermath of Cynthia's death July 8, I'm saddened to hear of Ellen's death. It's been a long time, but my dim memory suggests that Ellen and Cynthia were good friends. I did not know that Ellen spent many years working on behalf those afflicted with Alzheimer's, which is what brought Cynthia down. Nor did I know, Ellen had persevered years with a stroke, which on August 15 felled my younger sister. Alas, Charlie, we are widowers n common.
August 22, 2017
Pam LaFond
I dug out my flute and played to the stars, thanking Helen for the many years we shared duets, hikes, lunches, etc -- I'm so blessed. She will always be in my heart. With loving prayers--
August 22, 2017
Millie O'Neil-Kootman
I was deeply saddened to read about Ellen's passing. Please accept my most heartfelt sympathies for your lossmy thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
August 21, 2017
Betty Eberhart
Ellen and I shared many powerful memories ie the death of one of our sons and our trip to Chicago in 1968 as alternate Delegates to the Democratic Convention including a brief but scary time in Grant Park with the Yippies. I loved her very much.
August 21, 2017
Rosemary M Heard
It was with sadness that we learned of Ellen's passing. She was an incredible friend to CATCH Neighborhood Housing throughout her years of service to our organization. She was a shining light in the Concord community, and she will be sorely missed.
With sympathy,
Rosemary and CATCH Neighborhood Housing
August 20, 2017
Rose Lanier
So sorry to read of Ellen's death. Met her and Charles many years ago, perhaps through NH Peace Action, and always found her to be strong, intelligent and caring. We live at HH and would occasionally bump into each other. We're away alot and I was just thinking the other day that I should really make an effort to visit Ellen when we get back to town. Then, I read her obituary. Our deepest condolences, she will definitely be missed but the effects of her life will live on for a very long time. Rose Marie and Ray Lanier
August 20, 2017
Sharyn Goddard
I remember her well. She was a fine and lovely person. May she Rest In Peace.
August 20, 2017
There is one more star in the heavens now that Ellen has left us on earth. Ellen was there for me when I struggled to learn how to cope with my father's Dementia as his caregiver. She helped me link to resources of all kinds- wonderful people and materials. I will never forget her kindness and understanding.
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