Ellen Mandell

1955 - 2025

Ellen Mandell

December 2, 1955 - November 13, 2025

Ellen Apperson Mandell, 69, transitioned from her earthly home into the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her mother, Marjorie Timberlake Apperson, and her father, Charles Logan Apperson.

Ellen was born on December 2, 1955, in Newport News, Va. She grew up in Roanoke, attended Cave Springs High School, and later attended Longwood College where she made cherished lifelong friends. She completed nursing school at the Medical College of Virginia, obtained her RN and initially worked in the critical care unit. Ellen met the love of her life, Stephen Mandell, while attending their church; they were married in 1982 and enjoyed 43 years of God's blessings in marriage. After serving as a home health nurse, she chose to remain at home to serve her family and raise her three children.

Ellen was a devoted wife and mother who served her family sacrificially and prayed faithfully for them. She especially loved being a grandmother. Affectionately known as "Koko", she delighted in the many times the family gathered, especially at the beach, and on holidays. Her heart was most alive with the privilege of being a wife, mother and grandmother. She was also touched by her relationships with many loving friends of whom she faithfully connected with throughout her life; she could easily reconnect with them even after extended periods of time. Her sweet smile and laugh, her rich compassion for others, and her passion for virtue will be dearly missed.

Ellen loved animals (especially poodles and horses) and all of nature; she shared that passion with her children. She particularly loved her friends and horses at Woodpecker Farm where she enjoyed riding. Ellen had a deep love and gratitude to her Lord and Savior, and reflected that love to others, through her compassion, kindness, humble service, empathy and genuine celebration of others' joys. She had an authentic and personal faith with Jesus, and was very active in her church, faithfully participating in the prayer ministries and women's fellowship in various ways. Her joy in serving those who have great need was evidenced through the many mission trips to Haiti and Uruguay of which she participated with her husband, church and family. Ellen also had a love and appreciation for art and painting and encouraged her grandchildren to share in that love. To demonstrate her incredible and loyal love to her husband, she even became a "Big Blue" fan of University of Kentucky sports. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will live on.

Ellen is survived by her husband, Stephen Mandell; daughters, Elizabeth Hatton (Kyle) and Tabitha Cooke (Josh) and their son, Chris Mandell (Ashley). She was also blessed to have eight grandchildren, Grant Hatton, Luke Hatton, Nora Mandell, Jude Mandell, Levi Mandell, Eden Cooke, Selah Cooke and Elise Cooke. She is also survived by her brother, Charles Black Apperson (Ruriko).

A Celebration of Life service will be on Friday, November 21, 2025 at Grace Church of Fredericksburg, 1141 Heatherstone Drive, Fredericksburg, with a visitation preceding the service from 12 to 1:20 p.m., and the service commencing at 1:30 p.m. It will be live streamed on GCOFONLINE.org. Flowers may be delivered to Grace Church on Friday, November 21. In lieu of flowers, gifts in her name can be made to Grace Church of Fredericksburg's mission teams, or Fredericksburg Christian School, 9400 Thornton Rolling Rd, Fredericksburg, Va 22408.

Storke Funeral Home

Bowling Green, VA