Ellen Bishop Martin

Ellen Bishop Martin died in her sleep on January 11, 2024, at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh after a short but irreversible illness. She was 85 years old. Ellen is survived by David, her husband of 64 years, their son James and his family of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and by her sister Carole Backus and her family of Wardsboro, Vermont. She was predeceased by their daughter, Dr. Elizabeth Martin of Ferney-Voltaire, France.

Ellen’s husband’s early career required numerous family moves: from Pittsburgh to New York, to London, to Frankfurt, Germany, briefly to Chicago and back to Pittsburgh. Ellen quickly set up household in all those places and, while they lived in Frankfurt, learned to speak German. Ellen had learned French as a schoolgirl, and during the family’s years in Europe she introduced them to France and its culture, and they vacationed there frequently after their return to the States.

Ellen was born and grew up in New Haven, Connecticut. She graduated from Smith College where she majored in music, and she gave her family an appreciation for classical music, ballet, and opera. During their years in Germany Ellen found a job teaching dance for children of American military at several bases in the Frankfurt area. When the family returned to Pittsburgh, she was hired to assist in the dance program at Sewickley Academy and in the school’s summer Performing Arts Camp. When she retired from dance, she became a receptionist at Sewickley Academy. Her relationship with the school spanned fifty years.

 With a pleasant singing voice and the ability to read music, Ellen was a valuable member of the choir of St. Stephens Church for several years.

Ellen was that rare person who was loved by everyone who knew her.

Friends are invited to visit with the family at R. D. Copeland, Ltd., Irvine Chapel, 702 Beaver Street, Sewickley on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, from 6 – 8 pm. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 2 pm at St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, 405 Frederick Ave., Sewickley, PA 15143.

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