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Ellen Eggerton Obituary
Ellen Nagle Eggerton
Ellen Nagle Eggerton, 66, a mechanical engineer and Virginia and Maryland resident who fought stereotypes about women in what was considered a man's field and promoted and advanced sustainability, died of cancer September 7, 2022 at Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington.
As a consultant with Booz Allen in the 1980's, Eggerton (then Ellen Nagle) was reviewing the Kings Bay, GA, nuclear submarine base when she found an immediate issue: No restrooms for women. The bathrooms were changed to unisex.
At the time of her death she was sustainability coordinator for Alexandria, VA, where she was instrumental in updating its Environmental Action Plan. "She was an innovator who originated Alexandria's Sustainability Coordinator position and set the standard for climate action in Alexandria and beyond," said Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson.
Before joining the city, she was Green Building and Non-Profit Ombudsman for Fairfax County, where her work included managing the approval of hypothermia centers for the homeless.
Her engineering career included early stops at Pepco and the Architect of the Capitol, where she was instrumental in the installation of solar collectors on Senate and House buildings.
Eggerton was a member of the Virginia Building Code Officials Association and the US Green Building Council.
Born in Hicksville, NY, and raised in Saugerties, NY, and Beltsville, MD, Eggerton graduated with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering degree from the Catholic University in 1978 and a Masters in General Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus in 1989.
She married in 1986.
Eggerton earned her Professional Engineering (PE) license in January 2009.
Survivors include sisters Karen and Jeanmarie; brother, Tom; husband, John; three daughters, Patricia, Pamela, and Virginia; their husbands, respectively, Stuart, Michael and Pablo; and grandson, Wesley.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society and Unicef's campaign to help the children of Ukraine. A celebration of life will be held at a future date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Eggerton
Pia Winters Jordan
May 30, 2024
It was only as I was reading about the plans for High Point High School´s 50th reunion that I learned of Ellen´s death. We were in the school´s class of 1974. Ellen was such a bright star at High Point, the red-haired spit fire, speaking fast and a friend to all. We had touched base years ago and had planned to get together. I am sorry that I will not be able to see her at the reunion.
Janet Lerch Kohagen
March 27, 2023
I went to elementary school, jr high school, and high school with Ellen and was saddened to learn of her passing. I am remembering sleep overs & birthday parties with Ellen. I remember how fun it was to be at her house. She was just a great friend to me!
Joan Kelsch
October 4, 2022
I worked with Ellen for years through our work in local government. She was fun and energetic and so knowledgeable about building codes and sustainability. She and I would meet at National Airport for lunch because it was halfway between our offices and we could take the Metro. Having Ellen on your side on any issue was always an asset. She was a force! Alexandria and the region are better for the work she did here and we will miss her. Sympathies to her family and friends.
Linda Baskerville
October 3, 2022
Linda Baskerville
October 3, 2022
Linda Baskerville
October 3, 2022
Linda Baskerville
October 3, 2022
My heart goes out to Ellen's family. What a terrible loss, too soon. Ellen was a load of fun, curious about everything, an intellect to be reckoned with, a force of nature in the energy conservation field, and a friend. I've attached pix of Ellen and I at the 2019 ICC conference in Albaquerque NM with our DC conservationist colleague Ali Alaswadi, and a couple shots from our side excursion to the Sandia Mtn. Wilderness in Cibola National Forest outside Albaquerque. We always spoke about our daughters, our hopes for them; and her love for her family shone through so brightly during our conversations. I know she touched so many lives, as she was an outgoing and lively soul. Her energy conservation work was an outsized force for good.
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