Ellen M. Brown, 80

MILTON - Ellen M. Brown, of Milton, formerly of Rehoboth Beach, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, April 11, 2008, in Beebe Medical Center, Lewes, after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma. She was 80.

Ellen was born May 20, 1927, in Lewes, to the late Delbert D. Moore and Catherine E. Moore Joseph.

She attended Rehoboth School before graduating from Lewes High School in 1945.

Ellen was employed by Raymond E. Wilson & Sons as a secretary, where she met her husband, John L. Brown. They owned and operated Mobile Flame Bottled Gas Co. from 1953 until 1967.

She was employed as a head teller with Sussex Trust Co., Rehoboth Beach, retiring after 17 years of service.

After her husband retired from the City of Rehoboth, she cofounded a ground maintenance business with him, known as E.B. Services, until September 2007.

Ellen also worked for the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce as the lobby and telephone representative, greeting visitors and business owners with her wonderful smile.

She also assisted with The Rehoboth Aide Society from its inception in the 1960s.

She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Aside from spending time with her family, Ellen enjoyed listening to the music of Elvis Presley, yard work, shopping, word puzzles and doting on her beloved granddaughter, Dawn.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, John L. Brown, in December; her stepfather, Harold R. Joseph; and a brother, John R. Moore.

She is survived by her daughter, Barbara B. Dennis; son-in-law, Woodrow P. Dennis; and granddaughter, Dawn E. Crouch, all of Milton; brother and sister-in-law, Clarence and Susan Joseph of Bear; sister and brother-in-law, Laura and John A. Hopkins Jr. of Harbeson; sister-in-law, Doris Townsend and husband John; sister-in-law, Eleanor Semans and friend Frank Rothermel; and sister-in-law, Betty Lou Brown, all of Milford; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday in Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, where friends may call one hour prior to services and on Thursday evening from 6 to 8 p.m.

Burial will follow the services at Epworth Methodist Cemetery, Rehoboth Beach.

Flowers are accepted or contributions are suggested to Beebe Medical Center's Tunnell Cancer Center, 424 Savannah Road, Lewes, DE 19958.