With profound sadness, the family of Ellen Louise Rylander wishes to announce her passing. Ellen was born in 1943 in Hartford CT and then resided in Manchester CT for most of her life. Her parents, who are deceased, were Beatrice Walsh Brawn and Roland Brawn. After graduation at Manchester High School, Ellen entered a career in the printing industry which spanned more than 40 years, ending as an accomplished graphics designer in the pre-press division, at Integrity Graphics in Windsor CT. Beyond her dedication to her long career, Ellen found extreme joy in her family; travel, party planning and enjoying the boating lifestyle with her husband of 43 years, Richard and their daughter Tamara, who both survive her. The year 1991 brought growth to the family by the marriage of Tamara to Anthony Moskites, who Ellen loved more as a son than a son-in-law, and together with Tamara provided the births of beloved grand-children, Kayla and Nicholas. A very recent event, the birth of a great-grand child, Brooklyn Moskites, has brought a huge bundle of love to the entire family. As an example of Ellen's dedication to almost everything she did, she became involved in the Manchester unit of The United States Power Squadrons, a boating education and fraternal organization, eventually progressing to the Commandership of the local organization. This commitment brought many lifelong friends into the family. Ellen's strong love of family was always evident, from the stories of family exploits, told around the Christmas table, to her becoming the full time care-giver of her mother-in-law, Helen, soon after Ellen's retirement. Even with health issues cropping up in the last three years, Ellen found satisfaction in living by the sea, in both her beloved Westerly RI and Myrtle Beach SC, And, when Ellen could no longer live on-board the family boat, she and Richard were welcomed into our "adopted son" David Newton's home, so that they could remain close to the sea. Those left to also mourn Ellen's passing, are Sister in -law Joyce Eriksson-Rylander; Brother in-law Jon Rylander and wife Susan, Nieces', Lori Dietz and husband Peter; Linda Radich and husband Lou; Nephews', Roland Rossano and wife Erica; Robert Aronson and wife Margie; as well as a large extended family and group of friends. In addition, Ellen was predeceased by her sister, Hazel Aronson Sullivan in 2014. Ellen also had a "sister in spirit", Mrs. Lillian Emerson, who together with her husband Paul and their entire family, provided the love and support that only the closest of friends can. Although, there are no immediate services planned, the family will host a Celebration of Ellen's' life, next spring (after the flowers bloom) in CT. Information will be posted at a later date. Following Ellen's and the family's wishes, her ashes will be cast upon the waters of Vineyard Sound at a later date, yet to be determined. Arrangements and the care of Ellen are entrusted to Rushlow-Iacoi Funeral Home & Crematory, 64 Friendship Street, Westerly, RI. The family suggests that any donations be made to "The Wounded Warrior Project" www.woundedwarrior.org or to your local animal shelter. Thank you. For online condolences, please go to www.rushlowiacoifuneralhome.com

Published in The Hartford Courant on Oct. 13, 2015