Ellen Brooke Tortorici

Ellen Jane Brooke Tortorici  (Ellie) of Springdale, WA passed away June 5, 2021 at her home.  She was born in Columbus, Ohio on November 16, 1942.  Her parents were Bob and Jane Brooke.  Ellie told many stories from her childhood of fun times adventuring with her cousin, Susan.  When asked about her time as a teenager, she always talked fondly of her friends.  Ellie graduated from Bexley Highschool, Columbus, Ohio, in 1960. 

Ellie married Darby Williams and they had Sherri Michelle (Yarrow) in 1963.  Ellie received a teaching degree and Bachelors in Art History from Ohio State University.  Ellie taught elementary art and continued to perfect her own skills as an artist.  They spent a year living in England; Ellie soaked in the culture.  This would fuel a lifelong passion of history and art.  By 1970, Ellie’s marriage had ended and Ellie and Yarrow were ready for a new stage of her life. 

She and Yarrow traveled from Ohio to Washington State, which Ellie described as the greenest place on the U.S. map! Not long after arriving in Washington, Ellie met the love of her life, (Jim) James John Tortorici Jr.  Jim built a beautiful log cabin which Ellie enthusiastically decorated.  Ellie had a knack for design and created a welcoming comfortable home.  Jim and Ellie had two children, Shanti and (Jack) James John III. 

In 1989, Ellie took Jim, Shanti, and Jack to England to experience her love of the European culture and history.  She enjoyed painting, traveling with her friends, and most of all-- spending time with her grandchildren.  She was very proud of the home Jim and she created amongst the nature and wildlife.  She was an avid reader with passion for art, gardening, history, genealogy, and science.  Ellie supported her community and was generous to those in need.

She is survived by her husband, Jim; her daughter, Shanti, and son-in-law, Seth; her son, Jack, and daughter-in-law, Traci; and four grandchildren, Josie, Wyatt, James, and Jennie.  She is also survived by her mother-in-law, Florence, and many cousins; sisters-in-law; brothers-in-law; nieces; and nephews. Ellie is preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Yarrow; and her father-in-law, Jackie. Ellie is deeply missed and will always be loved.  She will be remembered for her kindhearted soul.

A private celebration of life will take place June 26th.  Instead of sending flowers, please consider donating to the Loon Lake Food Bank or the Sierra Club in Ellie’s name.

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