Ellen Leslie Quaintance

1954 - 2024

Ellen Leslie Quaintance

November 12, 1954 - November 28, 2024

Ellen Leslie Quaintance, of Culpeper, VA, passed away unexpectedly on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 2024, at the age of 70. Her passing has left a deep void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, but her legacy of compassion, caring, courage, and commitment will endure. Born on November 12, 1954, at the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville, Ellen grew up in Culpeper, where she graduated from Culpeper High School in 1973. In 1980, just months after miraculously surviving a life-altering head-on collision caused by a drunk driver, she achieved a remarkable milestone as one of the first women to graduate from the Virginia State Police Academy. Despite the severe physical injuries sustained in the accident, many of which plagued her throughout her life, she persevered and joined the ranks of the Virginia State Police, serving as a Virginia State Trooper for five years. Her tenure as a trooper is a testament to her courage and resolve, as well as her willingness to break barriers and her desire to serve the public. She spent the remainder of her career at the National Science Foundation (NSF), a career defined by her leadership, conscientiousness, and insightful contributions to the organization's mission. While at the NSF, she earned a degree in government and politics from George Mason University in 1993. In 2014 she retired from the NSF and relocated to Culpeper, where she dedicated several years to the care of her mother. A woman of faith, strength, and boundless compassion, Ellen was deeply committed to her family and friends. She was fiercely independent but profoundly loyal, balancing her tenacity with a caring heart. Her wit and wisdom, paired with a natural humility, often led others to underestimate her; but those who truly knew her understood the depth of her capabilities and the strength of her convictions. Her love for animals was a reflection of her tender spirit. She gave her whole heart to the creatures in her care, finding joy and solace in their companionship. Ellen will be remembered as a trailblazer, a devoted friend, a doting aunt, and a steadfast presence in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her life was a testament to the power of faith, integrity, compassion, and perseverance.

She is survived by her two brothers, R. Wilson Quaintance, III (Karen), and Kemper A. Quaintance; her sister, Susan Quaintance Ferguson (Roy); five nephews; and five great-nieces and nephews.

The family will receive visitors December 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Clore-English Funeral Home. Services will be held at the Clore-English chapel on December 14, at 1 p.m. with interment immediately following at Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to: Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (https://giving.billygraham.org/), Dogs4Diabetics (https://ourdogssavelives.org/support/donate/) or Breakthrough T1D (https://www2.breakthrought1d.org/site/Donation2?2376.donation=form1&df_id=2376&mfc_pref=T).

Clore-English Funeral Home

Culpeper, VA