Ellen Louise Saunders

Ellen Louise Saunders, of Shelburne, Vermont, passed away at the McClure Miller Respite House on April 6, 2024 from complications following cardiac surgery. Ellen was born in Boston, Massachusetts on May 21, 1949 to Elizabeth “Betty” Davis Saunders and Oatman Mack Saunders, fifteen minutes behind her twin sister Susan.

Ellen graduated from the University of Vermont Magna Cum Laude in Early Childhood Education. She began her career working at the Sarah Holbrook Center and then as Director of Burlington Head Start. Later she worked as a substitute teacher and para educator in several Burlington schools including H. O. Wheeler and John J. Flynn Elementary before settling into kindergarten at Champlain Elementary until her retirement. She was a wonderful teacher who enhanced the lives of so many students.

Ellen was predeceased by her parents, aunts and uncles, brothers Douglas and Stephen Saunders, infant niece, Jessica Hope Saunders, and cousins Sally Palmer and Rusty Saunders. She is survived by her sister Susan, nieces and nephews Erin, Kellie, Amber, Jennifer, Sarah, Stephen, Douglas, grand nieces and nephews Elizabeth, Naliiah, Brennen, Stephen, and many cousins and their families.

At her request, a family service will be held this spring at the Shelburne Village Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ellen’s name may be sent to JUMP (Joint Urban Ministry Project), PO Box 1657, Burlington, Vermont 05402 or COTS (Committee on Temporary Shelter), PO Box 1616, Burlington, Vermont 05402