ELLEN ELIZABETH ZERN

ELLEN ELIZABETH (SEARS) ZERN MIDDLEBURY - Ellen Elizabeth (Sears) Zern, 79, of Middlebury passed away on Nov. 4, 2010 after a brief struggle with cancer. She was born on Oct. 12, 1931, one of eight children born to Florence (Thompson) and William Sears. Ellen grew up in Middlebury and graduated from Middlebury High School. Ellen married Lawrence W. Zern. Well known in Middlebury for her banking affiliation, the Middlebury Credit Union was located in her home for many years. She mentored people to save for their futures and took a personal interest in many community people. She never held a Vermont drivers license and walked everywhere, enjoying her surroundings on her daily trips into town. Ellen was a firm believer of buying locally! Ellen was most passionate about family genealogy, as well as the Civil War and Vermont ancestors who fought in it. She traveled to Gettysburg grave sites and researched the lives of many before her. She was well- versed in Vermont's history in the war as she spent countless hours retrieving information and sharing her findings with friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Lawrence W. Zern on Jan. 18, 2001; and by her son, Robert Zern, who was the love of her life, who died unexpectedly on Jan. 13, 2010. She leaves a brother, Walter Sears of Cornwall; nieces, nephews, friends and close neighbors, who helped her in times of need and support. Many of these same people Ellen had done the same for. She will be dearly missed. Thank you to the Doctors and staff at Porter Medical Center and Helen Porter Rehabilitation. A private service will be held celebrating Ellen's life. Ellen loved choices. Please give locally to the charity of your choice, in her memory.