Ellen V. Stevens Obituary (1942 - 2019)

Ellen "Mattie" Vertie Stevens, 77, passed away on Thursday, December 19, 2019 at home surrounded by her family. Ellen is survived by her husband of 52 years, Charles "Bill" Stevens; seven children: John (Kathy) Stevens of Rentz, Georgia, Kim (Frank) Weir of Ogdensburg, NY, Jeff (Rae Anne) Stevens of Rensselaer Falls, NY, Jay (Rita) Stevens and Bruce (Amanda) Stevens of Bombay, NY, Carrie (Timmy) Vinch of Ogdensburg, NY and Tracy (Chris) Durant of Norfolk, NY, 38 grandchildren and 48 great grandchildren. Ellen is also survived by her four brothers Blanchard, Carl, Kenny, Paul, three sisters Susie, Donna and Susan, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. Ellen was born on July 24, 1942 in Washington D.C, the daughter of Blanchard & Mamie Swiger. She married Bill on September 30, 1967 in Monrovia, Md. Together they worked construction for a number of years, before moving to New York and establishing the family dairy farm. They farmed in Helena, Richville and for the last 30 years in Bombay, NY where the dairy farm continues to be run by their son.The couple was also foster parents to a number of children throughout their marriage in Maryland, Wisconsin and New York. Ellen worked for 17 years at the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino as a floor supervisor, retiring due to ill health. Due to her failing health, Ellen and Bill moved to Ogdensburg, NY to reside with their daughter in February 2018. Ellen had a wonderful Patsy Cline type voice, and at one point sang with a band. Memories of "Amazing Grace" being sung by Ellen and her father Blanchard in church will remain with her family. Her grandchildren have fond memories of her teaching them to sing "You Are My Sunshine" and "Smile A While". Ellen enjoyed crafts of all kinds, but especially crocheting and quilting, playing card games, going to bingo, and getting deals at local auctions or yard sales. She had a wealth of knowledge for collectable items and was always on the search for a find. Ellen had a true love for books and an avid thirst for reading. She enjoyed collecting books especially Readers Digest and James Patterson books. As per Ellen's wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral. The family will be having a celebration of life on Monday, December 23rd, 2019 at the QWL building, 642 County Route 28A, Ogdensburg, NY 13669, from 3 pm to 6 pm. Family and friends will gather for a meal and sharing of memories. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Frary Funeral Home, Ogdensburg. "Smile a while until I come to you. Every night, I'll whisper 'I love you'. So smile a while, each night and day, until we meet again" Donations in Ellen's name may be made to Hospice of St. Lawrence Valley or to the Children's Advocacy Center of Northern NY.