Ellen passed away peacefully in her sleep of old age and a broken heart of losing her husband of 68 years.  Ellen was survived by her three children, five grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Born Ellen Ranga Andersen  in the quaint and historic town of Fredericia, Denmark.  Ellen experienced the German occupation in World War II and reveled the day the American troops drove the streets of her little town, during the liberation.  As with many Europeans enamored by America, Ellen came to visit the United States in 1949, the country that all of Europe marveled as the savior of the civilized world.  Blindly choosing Pacific Grove, California Ellen fell in love with this West Coast paradise of freedom.  Ellen, as with many outsiders seeking a more prosperous way of life, willfully gave up her Danish citizenship to become an American.

Working as a car-hop in Monterey, Ellen met her future husband, American Army Lieutenant James (Jim) A. Rodrigues, who she mentioned impressed her for being such an officer and a gentleman.

Ellen and Jim married in Frederica, Denmark in 1954, and then moved to Coopers Cove, TX after Jim served his tour of duty in the Korean conflict.  In the late 1950s Ellen and Jim moved to Santa Clara County, California to start their family of three children: Paul Andersen Rodrigues, Neil Andersen Rodrigues, and Karen Ann Rodrigues.

Ellen, growing up in Denmark, was taught many life skills which she easily exercised during her life in California.  Ellen could be termed a Super Mom.  With her grass roots knowledge of cooking, she easily became a gourmet, being exposed to the wide variety of culinary opportunities available in America.  Entertaining was her forte and the benefit of her husband and family.  Ellen enjoyed holding diner parties, summer multi-family gatherings and an annual New Year 's Eve party, with 30+ guests and three-course meals.  Preparing and serving everything herself was her passion.

Ellen was talented beyond compare; all the homes she lived in with Jim and family would be decorated with taste and culture.  Every curtain, drapery, bed-spread, pillow, and re-upholstered chair was created by her.  Ellen learned silk flower design and creation and her house was ornamented in every room or hallway with natures floral representation.  Six by six foot needlepoint wall tapestries would also be on display on the large walls of her home, all created by her artistic hands.  Ellen even made a three-piece suit for her husband and many shirts and dress' for her children and herself.  From childhood Ellen was a magnificent painter.  She painted on ceramics, plates, vases and bottles, of both hometown scenes and wildlife images.  In the 1970s, Ellen was commissioned by Paul Mason Winery to paint a series of commemorative wine bottles for them to be distributed to prominent patrons.  Horticulture was also Ellen's passion; she definitely was born with a green thumb.

Ellen and Jim loved to travel, discovering faraway places and cultures.  In their sunset years, cruises became an every other year activity.

Ellen was a disciplined and talented woman, who came to America to receive its rewards, and she gave back by being a most patriotic and contributing soul to her family, friends, and society.  She was loved by all and contributed to life with every waking breath.

Ellen will be interred alongside her husband James Able Rodrigues at the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery, Seaside, CA.

Services to be held at a future date.