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Ellen M. Dudley (Straavaldsen)
WATERLOO - Ellen M. Dudley (Straavaldsen) was a beautiful artist angel and she took flight on Tuesday, 2-22-22 (the angel numbers). She was born in Madison, Wis., to Donald and Isabelle Dudley.
Ellen graduated from the first graduating class of LaFollette High School and Madison College. She went on to become a freelance artist for multiple fashion stores in the Madison area and she also worked for the UW-Madison, Do-It (Division of Information Technology) as a senior graphic artist. Ellen was also a technical scientific illustrator for many university professors, where she would draw graphics for botany and anthropology textbooks. She retired from the UW-Madison after 30 years of service.
Ellen would light up the room everywhere that she went with her grace, class, and beauty. Now the stars and moon will shine brighter with her presence. When you see a twinkle in the stars, just smile and know she is looking down on you. Ellen was wise with wisdom and said that I will always be with you and you will never walk alone. In 20 days, our world changed forever. Those who loved her never were given a warning or a clue of what was coming her way. People knew Ellen by her "Art Biz" license plate and this will forever be remembered.
From the words of Terry, "Ellen, with your love my famous artist, you will inspire me every day. You went to Woodstock, and I went to Nam. Even though we took different paths back then, creativity brought us together for our lifetime. Your spirit will forever be in my heart."
Ellen is survived by her significant other and best friend, Terry Straavaldsen; sisters, Jane (Mike), Lynn, and Jean (Jeff); brother, Tom (Pam); sister-in- law, Vicki (John); and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends who she adored. She was preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law, Bev Straavaldsen; and brother-in-law, Jim Neis.
Per Ellen's wishes, no services will be held. Memorials may be made to Rainbow Hospice.
A special thank you to all her cabin family at Black Oak Lake and surrounding area. The cabin and lake was her most magical place to be in the whole world, piloting her pontoon boat and calling out to her favorite loon "lulu." Also, to Rainbow Hospice for their care and affection during the time that Ellen was there. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Gunderson Funeral Home - Madison.
3 Entries
I am sorry for your loss. I worked with Ellen in 1992 and received my big break when the web went public under her. I remember having problems with the marketing department wanting a bad design for a print ad and she said to me words I will always remember. Ellen said, "They are paying you for your expertise so tell them no." From then on I always said to people, "You are paying me for my expertise... so no." The universe is amazing in that I was just looking up old work addresses and came across this. I'm glad I have a chance to say goodbye and to let her loved ones know what she taught me.
My only wish is that I could have known her better.
Steve Luiting
Work
April 25, 2022
Hi Ellen, I met your wonder significant other and learned all about you in 30 Minutes. Terry spoke of wonderful memories with a smile on his face. He also told me how quick your lives changed. I could tell instantly he is lost without you. My prayers are for your loved ones.
Cindy Bishop
April 14, 2022
Ellen was a beautiful friend.
We are grateful for our time with her.
Gigs and Ginny Kirsch
March 2, 2022
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