Ellen Longbine Waugh

Ellen Longbine Waugh, loving wife of Steven Waugh, passed away peacefully on September 25, 2024 at the age of 59 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on September 30, 1964 in Houston, Texas, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Geraldine Longbine. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her beloved children, Katherine and Michael, her three dear older sisters (Linda and husband Larry, Laurie and husband Bob, and Karen and husband Mac), sister-in-law Karen and husband AJ, and her adored dog Albie, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ellen graduated from Roger Ludlow High School in 1982, after a childhood spent in Cincinnati, OH and Fairfield, CT. She then attended Lafayette College, in Easton, PA, where she met Steve. At Lafayette, she was Captain of the Equestrian Team, Co-Captain of the Varsity Cheerleading Squad, and a dedicated sister of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. After graduation, she worked for Anderson Consulting and Pfizer, Inc. in information technology, which gave Ellen the opportunity to live in Germany and Italy. After working at Pfizer, Ellen was able to follow her true passion, teaching at the Playtots Preschool in Easton. Ellen greatly enjoyed her days as a teacher in the 3’s Class and as the music teacher, along with all the friendships she made at Playtots.

Ellen was also involved in a plethora of charitable organizations, including: The Center for Women and Families (where she served as a Board member and on the technology committee), the Fairfield Christmas Tree Festival (where she was a board member and event chair), the Easton PTA and Joel Barlow High School PTSA, the Easton Siren Aide, the Fairfield County Children’s Choir, the Girls Scouts (where she served as a troop leader), and Chapter H of the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.), where she held a variety of positions including Educational Project Chair, Technology Chair, Treasurer, Philanthropic Chair, and Vice President. Ellen was also a faithful, longtime member of the Greenfield Hill Congregational Church, serving as a Deacon, Church Clerk, Chair of the Finance Board, long-time Church School Teacher, Chair of the Board of Children and Youth, Board of Christian Education, and Dogwood Festival Chair. 

Ellen enjoyed traveling and especially loved visiting many national parks across the United States with Steve, Katherine, and Michael. She loved family time, watching “Jeopardy” nightly, and expressing her musical talents through the piano and clarinet. Mostly, Ellen adored watching Katherine and Michael grow, taking great pleasure in their progression through school, into their respective careers, and with their passions and hobbies. She could often be found at one of Katherine’s choir concerts or fishing with Michael at a local stream or beach. Ellen also enjoyed getting together with her extended family throughout the states. Everyone knew to include her in family events because … well, FOMO. 

Ellen will be greatly missed. She was known and loved by many for her outgoing nature, selfless attitude, and willingness to help others whenever and wherever they might need it. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Ellen’s name to Greenfield Hill Congregational Church, the Scholarship Fund of P.E.O. Chapter H, or the Siren Aide of the Easton Volunteer Fire Company.

Friends may greet Ellen’s family Monday, October 7th from 4-8 p.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. A service celebrating Ellen’s life will be held Tuesday, October 8th at 10:00 a.m. at Greenfield Hill Congregational Church, 1045 Old Academy Road, Fairfield.