Middlebury, VT Ellen E. Beecher Ellen E. Beecher, age 66, went to be with her lord and savior January 11, 2006 at the Vermont Respite House in Williston. Ellen was born November 27, 1939 to Henry N. & Evelyn (Shea) Beecher in Middlebury. She was a member of the last class to graduate from the old Middlebury High School in 1957, and Becker Junior College in 1959. She then joined the Navy upon discharge she lived in Burlington where she took courses at Champlain College. Ellen spent years volunteering at the YMCA where she taught many young children how to swim. She also volunteered at the Mary Fletcher Hospital. Upon returning to Middlebury she volunteered her time at many non-profit organizations, such as Round Robin, Retired & Senior Volunteers program. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America, Disabled American Veterans Otter 21, Waves National, Green Mountain Girls #113, & St. Marys Catholic Church. Ellen is survived by her sister Margaret Cole & her life partner Phil Cote, of Huntington, her brother, Jerry Beecher & his wife Claire, of Shelburne, nephews Christopher Cole & his wife Lisa & their daughter Tiffany, of S.C. James Beecher , of Shelburne, nieces, Melissa Benebo & her children, Olivia & Vanessa, of CT and Betsy Beecher, of south Burlington. Ellen was predeceased by her parents. Our heartfelt thanks go to all the caregivers nurses and doctors at the Veterans Hospital, Out Reach Clinic and especially the Vermont Respite House in Williston for the wonderful & respectful care they provided to our sister she was a special person. A mass of Christian Burial Will be celebrated on Saturday January 14, 2006 at 11 AM at St. Marys Catholic Church. The Rev. Justin Baker Parish Priest will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in St. Marys Cemetery in the spring. In Lieu of Flowers Memorial contributions in memory of Ellen may be made to the Vermont Respite House @ 99 Allen Brooke Lane, Williston, VT or to the Visiting Nurse Association, of Chittenden, County, or to a charity of ones choice would be appreciated. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sanderson Funeral Service, of Middlebury. www.sandersonfuneralservice.com