Ellen J. McEwen

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Ellen Jane McEwen ("Shorty"), a woman who impacted many lives in her 74 years. Daughter of William McEwen and Leticia Mcewen (nee Hodder), Ellen was born on October 14, 1948 in Pittsburgh, PA and passed away peacefully on March 7, 2023 with her family by her side. Ever the academic, Ellen received her B.S. in Education at Ashland University and her Master of Arts at Ohio State University, before moving on to become the Director of Athletics at many colleges across the country, including Elms College in Massachusetts, Huston-Tillotson University in Texas, UW Fond du Lac in Wisconsin, Salem College in North Carolina, and Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey. Ellen's love of athletics carried into her personal life, as she was an avid sports fan both as a viewer (football) and player (volleyball, golf). Ellen also loved reading (especially mysteries), music (she had a beautiful singing voice), British television, puzzle books, and travel. In addition to living all over the country, Ellen has also traveled the world. She is survived by her sister, Rebecca Nedz (spouse, William) and Rebecca's children, Pamela Quigley and Douglas Furko. She is also survived by Pamela's children: Michael (spouse, Nick), Justin, and Erika; Douglas's children Brittany (spouse, Sean), DJ, Sierra, and Dylan; as well as Brittany's children Cassidy and Patrick. She is also survived by the thousands of student athletes who she taught throughout her career, who she always affectionately referred to as "her kids," as well as the many great friends she made all over the country. The family also wants to send a special thank you to Nick and Gretchen, who provided an abundance of compassion and support for Ellen in her final days. We all grieve the loss of an incredible, brilliant, and strong woman who positively impacted the many lives mentioned here. Her legacy lives on through the connections that have now been built between these many lives over great distances. We encourage even those who did not know Ellen to simply ask "What would Shorty do?" if you are ever in times of struggle. She always had the answer and we have faith that she will continue to provide the answer by watching over and guiding all of us. Thank you for all the positivity you brought to this world, Ellen! A memorial service will be held on Thursday, from 2 - 4 PM, at the D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY LTD., Butler at 46th Sts., Lawrenceville. www.dalessandroltd.com. Family requests donations to ASCPA or Plant A Tree in Ellen's memory. www.dalessandroltd.com

Ellen J. McEwen

October 14, 1948 - March 7, 2023