LAVIGNE, ELLEN LOUISE WOOD

Ellen Louise Wood Lavigne, 89, of Guilford, CT passed away peacefully on February 27, 2020, after a 6-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Ellen was born in South Portland, ME, the daughter of George and Ruth (Alley) Wood.

She followed in the footsteps of her father, learning the trumpet and playing in the Deering High School Band. She was always very musically oriented, playing the piano for friends and family.

Ellen graduated from Bay Path Junior College in 1950 with an Associate of Science Degree and married Robert J. Lavigne, Jr. in 1952. A few years later, the couple moved to Laramie, Wyoming, where Bob became a professor of Entomology at the University of Wyoming. While in Laramie, Ellen raised her three children, sold Sarah Coventry Jewelry, became a ski instructor, and won several bowling trophies. She also earned 15 credits toward her Bachelors degree at the University of Wyoming and qualified for the degree of “Exemplar of Beta Sigma Phi,” (displaying the highest level of love and service).

After divorcing in 1967, Ellen and her children moved back East to a home on Lake Garda in Burlington, CT. She worked for the Aetna from 1968 – 1983, as a Claims Auditor, Sr. Statistical Analyst, and Supervisor of Statistical Reporting. Ellen changed careers in 1984 and became a realtor with Deming & Luscomb in Farmington, CT. In retirement, Ellen lived in Abingdon, VA, Jonesborough, TN and Guilford, CT.

A loving and devoted mother and grandmother, she leaves behind her daughter, Michelle Lavigne (Tim Biety) of Guilford, CT and Denver, CO; her son, Jay Lavigne (Paula) of Abingdon, VA; and her son, Todd Lavigne of Glastonbury, CT. She also leaves behind 4 grandchildren, Kymberly Lavigne Hinkley (Matt Hinkley), Colin Lavigne (Helen), Troy Lavigne, and Holly Lavigne and great-granddaughter, Madeline Hinkley. Ellen was predeceased her brothers, Frank E. Wood (FL) and Wendell S. Wood (Newington, CT).

A private memorial service for Ellen will be held in Portland, ME where she will be buried next to her parents. Donations in Ellen’s name may be made to Masonicare Hospice, 22 Masonic Ave., Wallingford, CT 06492. www.masonicare.org/support-masonicare/ donate-now Arrangements in care of Guilford Funeral Home. To share a memory, please visit: www.GuilfordFuneralHome.com