Ellen Oliver

Ellen Moylan (Dugdell) Oliver, 73, passed peacefully from this world on Friday, February 6, 2026, after an eight-year battle with Alzheimer's disease.

Ellen was born in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, to Thomas C. Dugdell Jr. and Marguerite (Burke) Dugdell. She was the second oldest and eldest daughter in a large Irish Catholic family of seven. From a young age, she was kind, caring, and deeply devoted to her family, a value she carried throughout her life.

A lifelong reader and learner, Ellen left home at 18 to build an independent life, working many jobs to make ends meet for herself and her family, including driving an 18-wheeler and working as a bank teller. In her late twenties, she opened a used bookstore filled with books she loved, sharing her passion for reading with others.

After marrying, she moved to southern New Jersey, worked as a graphic designer for The Wall Street Journal, restored historic homes, and built a career in real estate, earning multiple professional designations.

Later, she moved to Northern Virginia, where she raised her son, Liam, and became deeply involved in her community. She served on the Loudoun County School Board, first by appointment and then by election in 1994. During a period of rapid growth, she helped guide the expansion of the school system, including the approval of more than 10 new schools and the introduction of classroom technology.

Ellen was also instrumental in her local community in Ashburn Village, where she helped bridge relationships between the developer and the newly formed homeowners' association. She worked with local partners to secure land for a 14-acre park and playground, affectionately known as "Dinosaur Park," which remains a beloved gathering place for families today. As a Master Gardener, she built children's gardens and volunteered her time teaching horticulture to both children and adults.

Throughout her life, Ellen remained curious and creative. She studied homeopathy, crystal healing, and Feng Shui, and became a Reiki Master. She was always learning, writing, and finding ways to help others.

After her Alzheimer's diagnosis, Ellen continued to embody kindness and strength. She faced the disease with joyful grace, and even in difficult moments, her warmth and spirit shone through. Those closest to her could still see the true Ellen, present and full of love until the very end.

Ellen leaves behind a legacy of compassion, intellect, and service. She made a profound impact on her family and community, and her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Robert B. Oliver Jr.; her parents, Thomas C. Dugdell Jr. and Marguerite (Burke) Dugdell; her brother, Thomas C. Dugdell III; and her sisters, Margaret Mary Dugdell and Rita Dugdell. She is survived by her son, Liam Oliver (Olivia); her brothers, Michael Dugdell (Cathy), Richard Dugdell (Christine), and Robert Dugdell (Tracie); and her sisters, Martha (Dugdell) McBreen (Thomas) and Judith (Dugdell) Schichl (Hans). She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Traci Means (Phillip), Tina Gossett, Jessica McBreen (Michael), Jennifer McBreen, Kenneth Dugdell, Rachel Dugdell, Brendan Dugdell, Kyla Dugdell, Kira Dugdell, Paul Dugdell, Eion Schichl, and Mars Schichl, as well as seven great-nieces and nephews and two great-great-nieces.

A private celebration of life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org).

Ellen (nee Dugdell) Oliver