Ellen Beth Andrews, 51, of Newtown, lost a long courageous battle with cancer on December 23. Ellen was surrounded by her loving family at Connecticut Hospice in Branford, Conn. Ellen was born on May 9th, 1969, in Danbury, Conn.

Ellen is survived by her daughter, Leah (18), and her son, Aaron (14). Ellen is also survived by her mother, Carole Andrews of Newtown; her sisters, Jennifer Andrews Faggio and Nancy Andrews; as well as her brothers John and George Andrews. Ellen was also a beloved aunt to Andrew and Nicholas Faggio and Joel and Avy Andrews.

She was predeceased by her father, John C. Andrews, Jr, and her brother-in-law, Andrew Faggio.

Ellen attended Newtown High School and graduated in 1987. She went on to attend Unity College in Maine and studied environmental science. Ellen was a dreamer and had a passion for the outdoors. Ellen was an avid birdwatcher and loved to hike in the woods as well as star gaze with her children. Ellen was always ready for a new adventure! Ellen worked for the United States Department of Agriculture in Alaska, where she did research on birds, then spent several years working in Montana. Ms Ellen Andrews finally settled on the coast of Maine, where she would raise her children until she later relocated back to her hometown of Newtown.

Ellen will be remembered by those who loved her as a bright light with a great sense of wonder and an adoration for the outdoors.

Funeral services will be held at Trinity Church, located at 36 Main Street, Newtown, on December 29 at 1 pm. There will be no calling hours.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford CT 06405.