Ellen Joyce Larson

Waterford- Ellen Joyce (Gardner) Larson of Amston, ended her long and difficult struggle with scleroderma and pulmonary arterial hypertension at home and in her sleep in the early morning hours on April 12, 2012.

Ellen was born on Aug. 17, 1941, the daughter of Frederick and Mae (Sloan) Gardner. She attended Cohanzie School in Waterford and was a 1959 graduate of New London High School.

Ellen was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Barbara Doerfler of Waterford and Barbara's husband, Carl. She also outlived her faithful companions, a terrier, Max and four beagles, Ginger, Maggie, Bud, and Molly.

Ellen is survived by her husband, Douglas of Amston; her son, Erik and granddaughter, Ana, of Cabot, Vt. She leaves two nephews, Frederick Doerfler and his wife, Lisa Manwaring, of Norwich and Gary Doerfler and his wife, Kelley, of Waterford, grandniece, Elizabeth Perkins of North Stonington, and grandnephew, Sloan Doerfler of Waterford; also a brother-in-law, Edwin Larson of Darnestown, Md., and his wife. Marjorie. She also leaves very dear friends, Liliane Allegretti of Niantic, Susan McKinnon of Deer Isle, Maine, Anne Engdahl of Lebanon, Kathleen and James Dillner of Amston, and brother-in-law, David Larson of Oakdale, who all were sources of great comfort during her long illness. Her companions, exceedingly vocal and constantly under-foot beagles, Miles and Mojo, also survive her.

Ellen had a special affection for her long-time physician, Dr. Robert E. Levin of East Lyme, who always made her smile.

Ellen retired from the staff at Lebanon Sports Centre in Lebanon in 2001. Earlier she had been employed at Sears in New London and in the volunteer office at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London. She served as a Cub Scout Den mother and as a teacher's helper at Hebron Elementary School in the 1980s. Ellen enjoyed the care of wildlife, gardening, and cooking throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ellen's memory may be made to Concordia Lutheran Church, 40 Pitkin St., Manchester, CT 06040, or to Protector of Animals, PO Box 24, South Glastonbury, CT 06073.

A Service of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, April 20, at Concordia Lutheran Church in Manchester. Internment will be in Jordan Cemetery in Waterford, at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours.

Condolence messages may be left on Mrs. Larson's memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com