Ellen Flewelling

Ellen Lois Finch Flewelling was born on Feb. 9, 1936. On Aug. 23, 2025, she passed into her Lord's care after a long illness. Her daughters held her hands as she breathed her last. We mourn the vibrant, bright spirit that was hers prior to her illness.
Ellen was born the youngest child of Cortland and Sarah Finch of Northfield, Massachusetts, where she attended Northfield School for Girls. During her high school years, she met Erwin Flewelling on the steps of the Vernon Advent Christian Church, and they married in 1954. Over the next decade, their family grew to include seven children. Ellen was a gentle mom, cheerful, curious, chatty and loved to read. She was quick to make friends, loved people and was active in her church and various clubs wherever she and Erwin made their home. She faithfully served her church community in many ways over the years with steadfast faith, godly wisdom, and a consistent walk with God that was evident to all.
She was a stay-at-home mom who got her kids ready for school, greeted them after school, helped with homework, and taught life skills. When her youngest reached high school, she took a job as a librarian in Van Buren. When Erwin retired, she accompanied him to craft fairs and artisan events, helping sell his bird carvings and her own woodburning creations.
An excellent cook, Ellen spent many summers at Big Lake Campmeeting as head cook, following in the footsteps of her mother-in-law, Avis Flewelling. Big Lake was a second home for her, where she and Erwin were involved with Big Lake Campmeeting, and eventually purchased their own cottage. Their time at Big Lake became a precious legacy of serenity, comfort and joy through the years.
Ellen's lively spirit often came out of hiding in her last few years when she would burst out with humming and random songs. Even though her mind became foggy, the old hymns would surface when prompted by her summer pastor, Ernest Carle from Sunrise Christian Church or her caregivers, who were her own children. Her daughter Sandy lived with and cared for Ellen after Erwin passed away in 2022, aided by the family, especially Robin and her husband Brian, and Don who were dedicated to travelling week after week to fill in with care and sweet visits. Special thanks to her visiting hospice home health aide, Wanda Armstrong, who was wonderfully helpful in Ellen's final few months.
Ellen is predeceased by her husband, Erwin Flewelling, her siblings, Carleton Finch, Arlene Reynolds and Ed Finch, her son, Neal Flewelling and son-in-law, Cecil Walton. She is survived by two sons and four daughters: Don Flewelling and his wife Karen; Lois Walton; Robin Switzer and her husband Brian; Noelle Carle and her husband Russell; Timothy Flewelling and his wife Melissa; Tracy Pierce Flewelling, widow of Neal Flewelling; and Sandra Flewelling. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Melissa, Jennifer, James, Jason, Michelle, Christopher, Ryan, Emily, Peter, Sarah, Eric; two step-grandchildren, Andrew and Mary; 13 great-grandchildren: Hannah, Jack, Emma, Clara, Hudson, Maggie, Gracen, Zoe, Naomi, Owen, Zeke, Kylo, JoAnna; and three step-great-grandchildren, Taylor, Camdyn, and Connor.
A private graveside memorial service will be held on October 10th.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Big Lake Campmeeting Association (biglakecampmeeting.org/giving), or Sunrise Christian Church in Big Lake Township, Maine (Big Lake Road, Big Lake Township, Maine 04668).
Online condolences may be shared with the family at RipostaFH.com.