Judith Ann Marie "Judy" Ellis

8/29/1939 - 12/22/2025

Stonington - Judith Ann Marie (Gritman) Ellis, age 86, died peacefully at home Dec. 22, 2025, at 9:13 p.m. Judy was born Aug. 29, 1939, at 8 a.m. at Hammond Henry Hospital in Geneseo, Ill. She was the only daughter of Orval "Dutch" Joseph Gritman of Geneseo, Ill., and Irene Josephine (Bercroft) Gritman of Atkinson, Ill. She was a devout Catholic and attended the original Saint Malachy School in Geneseo through the eighth grade. She graduated from Geneseo High School in 1957, where she formed life-long friendships.

She was a member of the National Honor Society. She also enjoyed singing in many choral groups and was a proud Girl Scout of which her mother was the troop leader. She loved growing up in Geneseo, and it was there that her heart always belonged and where her fondest memories were made. She was employed at Dairy Delight and the Geneseo Book Store in high school and loved books and ice cream to her dying day! She was close to her cousin Rosemary Hoogerwerf and loved attending western movies at the local theater with her best pal Mike. She wished to convey this note to her closest girlfriends at GHS - "Long live the TMH!"

Judy attended Gale Institute in Minneapolis, Minn., where she received an associate's degree in travel and tourism. She worked for Delta Airlines in Chicago and lived in Waukegan, Ill., and later worked for American Airlines. She met and married Robert Edward Ellis, a career Navy man from Marion, Mass. They were the parents of five children. He was a sailor who came up through the ranks to attain the rank of captain. Married 62 years, the Navy took them all over the world to live and raise their children. Special memories included Newport, R.I., Charleston, S.C., Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, Groton, Coronado, Calif., and Virginia Beach, Va.. They maintained friendships with all of their military friends for many years. Judy and Bob retired in Stonington, where they were members of Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Mystic.

Judy had many jobs which she loved in her lifetime. She worked at Wild Birds Unlimited in Virginia Beach and at Ledyard High School in the guidance department. She was the wedding coordinator for the Base chapel in Groton. She was the organist at the Ford Island Chapel in Hawaii, and was a dental ssistant for the Red Cross at Pearl Harbor. She was a faithful volunteer at the Mystic Seaport both in the membership building and at various holiday events with her husband. Judy was also a docent at the Palmer House in Stonington. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella at St. Patrick's Church in Mystic and dearly loved her fellow Daughters and close friends at St. Patrick's and the ministry work they did for the community. Judy was grateful to Janet and Brian from St. Patrick's in Mystic and to Lizette from St. Charles for faithfully bringing communion and comfort during difficult times.

Most of all, Judy loved singing in many choral groups over the years including the Navy Choristers in Newport, Oceana Chapel Choir in Virginia Beach, the Old Hat Singers in Mystic, the 200 Voice Chorus of Westerly, R.I., Saint Patrick's Church Choir in Mystic, and most recently, the Coronado Community Chorus in Coronado, Calif. Judy was also an avid bridge payer and voracious reader and belonged to many book clubs and bridge groups wherein she made lifelong friends.

She is survived by her children: Ms. Janet Ellis of Chandler, Ariz.; daughter-in-law Mrs. Monika Ellis (Michael d.) of Blair, Neb., Mrs. Jacquelyn Taft (Butch) of Valencia, Calif., Mrs. Robbie Keenan (John) of San Diego, Calif., and Mr. Christopher Ellis (Zekie) of Varna, Bulgaria; sisters-in-law, Claudia Ellis Falkenberg (Kirby) of Sarasota, Fla., Ann Alberson Gritman (James d.) of Green Valley, Ariz.; and brother-in-law David Bernard Ellis of Marion, Mass.; grandchildren: Jonathan, Emma, Loraine, Brandon, Abby, Bradley, Robert, Joseph, Jennifer, Katherine, Judy and Dagmar; great-grandchildren: Olivia, Natalie, Isaac, Ellie, Tessa, Addison, Charlotte, Rayleigh, Ashley and Max; nieces and nephews: Julie, Jamye, Jennifer, Kirsten, Claudia, Jessica, Nathan and David (d).

The family wishes to thank the following "Earth Angels" for all of their loving care to our dear mother: Mrs. Lourdes Orozco, Mrs. Janet Hicks, Mrs. Lizette Muffley, Mrs. Mitch Agustin, Mrs. Venissa Valenzuela, Mrs. Virginia Santellanes, Ms. Brianna Keller, Ms. Emma England, Mr. Darren Sumbillo, Mrs. Lois Montano, Mr. Nicholas Dasis, Mrs. Jindy Cuison, and Dr. Troy Niguidula.

"May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. The rains fall soft upon your fields. And, until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand."

"Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the soul of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace."

A visitation was held from 11 to 11:30. a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at St. Charles Catholic Church, located at 990 Saturn Blvd., San Diego, Calif. A Rosary was officiated at 11:30 a.m. The Requiem Funeral Mass took place from noon to 1 p.m. Jan. 3, at the same location.

Burial and Graveside Service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 13, at St. Mary's Cemetery, 500 Stonington Road, Stonington, officiated by Father Kevin Reilly of St. Patrick's Church, Mystic, the St. Patrick's Choir and Daughters of Isabella. Arrangements are by Mystic Funeral Home, Mystic.

Donations may be made to the Daughters of Isabella at St. Patrick Church, Mystic, the Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, and St. Malachy's Church and School in Geneseo, Ill.