On Good Friday April 2 ^nd , 2021, Ellen Marie Degnan 72, of Vero Beach, returned to heavenly eternal home, with her family by her side.

She was born to the late Melvin Kent Proctor and Joan Barbara Proctor on March 8 ^th , 1949 in Rockland Massachusetts. She graduated with a master's degree in education from Boston College in 1978.

She romantically met the love of her life John at Jury Duty over a high-profile murder trial in the late 70's. They relocated with their families to Vero Beach, FL after the blizzard of 78. She married John Joseph Degnan Jr in 1982.

Ellen had a lifelong passion for reading, which blossomed into her being a media specialist and librarian for children of all ages. She had a passion for children's literature and an incredible memory of catalogs of authors, books and the illustrators for those books, which is hard to describe. Her ability also carried through in her thoughtfulness and remembrance of others she maintained many lifelong friendships which is a rare thing to see these days. She taught for over 40 years. Any type of club or extracurricular activity she dabbled in for her students. Her early years before teaching, she was involved in historical societies. Promptly after retirement, she involved herself in Bible studies, Genealogy societies, gardening, cats, and surrounding herself with all the love she had for family and friends became her passion.

Ellen was a devout Catholic she is survived by her brother, M. Kent Proctor; daughter, Mary-Jo Ellen Degnan; son, Troy Patrick Degnan; grandson, Collin Joseph Degnan; and granddaughter, Eimear Marie Degnan.  She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Joseph Degnan, Jr in 1982.

Everyone who spent time with Ellen would describe her as the kindness person they had ever known. She has never been an easily forgotten person professionally or privately.  Truly, in some ways, a child's reading legend. Ellen has always been an Angel on Earth and is now with all her loved ones perfect in Heaven. Saying the Prayer of Hail Mary always lifted her spirit and lighted her way and was one of her favorites. She will be deeply remembered and missed. She left her loving fingerprint on our hearts. Till we meet again. We love you.

Visitation will be held 12- 4 at Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory 1950 20 ^th Street Vero Beach FL, 32960

Funeral Service will be held promptly at 4pm in St. Helen's Catholic Church.

In lieu of Flowers donations can be made to The National Shrine of our Lady of La Salette , Lasaletteattleboroshrine.org/give.