In Memoriam : Ellen Levine

Condolences to Ellen's family. I attended Westbrook College with her, but we had lost touch. So sorry to read this

Ellen was a star, she had a big laugh and a big personality. She is missed.

Ellen was one of my dearest, oldest friends. We met over 50 years ago when I was a teenager and worked with her and Bruce at The Next Thing...a drug education program in Burlington, VT. I was with her and Bruce when she birthed Gideon, their only child. Ellen was a very passionate and caring person. I am deeply sad to lose Ellen. We had recently reconnected via emails after a number of years being out of touch. I discovered surprisingly this last June that Gideon is good friends with one of my best friends daughter Andzia. I also was present for Andzia's birth. Gideon and I were both at her wedding in California and only discovered this after the fact via a friend's facebook post. I then went to visit Gideon at a restaurant in SF where he works, it was sweet to hear from Ellen how much this meant to her. I sent her a birthday message and as we now know she never received it. Wherever Ellen's spirit is now - I send her my deepest love. And to Gideon and Bruce- my warmest sympathies. Elizabeth Borger (AKA Betsy Danaher)

I met Ellen in July of this year when she came to interview for a part-time nursing position at the Cumberland County Jail. Early on I realized she was interviewing us!! What an accomplished woman, with a big heart and wealth of experience and compassion. I hired her knowing that she had so much to offer us. I found humorous that when the doctor told Ellen she was concerned that Ellen may be "a deer in headlights working in this environment," and Ellen replied, "oh honey I've been around patients you probably have never seen, and I'm not afraid of these patients! I've spent my life helping people that no one else wants to be around." She smiled, ...her big eyes and jolly laugh so engaging. When I gave my notice she wrote the most kind letter of gratitude and support to me. She had insight, she was an inspiration!! She shared with me the work she had done and programs started over the years, she had recently taught college students and was a recipient of the Maine Consuela Nursing award, the list goes on and on. What I admired most was her sense of doing good and bringing goodness into the world. I only hope I can be so energetic and hopeful when I age into her years. Recently she wanted to get together and kept me updated on how she was doing. My regret is that I did not make it sooner!! Ellen, it is my loss, but having known you just for a short time is a gift I will pass on to others. Thank you for all of your service, your wisdom, your smile, and warmth. And yes...as you would say from one psych nurse to another, we are kindred spirits. My sympathy and prayers to your son and loved ones. ❤️❤️❤️ Betsy Emmons