Ellen Simenstad

Madison- Ellen Simenstad, aged 82, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at her home at Sebring Assisted Care Residence.
Ellen was born in Tampa, FL on March 14, 1931. She spent her youth in Atlanta, GA where she graduated as Valedictorian of Bass High School. She traveled north to attend Carleton College in Northfield, MN where she met her future husband, Paul O. Simenstad. She completed her college education at Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. with a degree in Food and Nutrition. Ellen and Paul were married in Atlanta on July 18, 1953.
After Paul's medical residency and military service, the couple moved to Madison in 1964. During their many years in Madison, Ellen earned a Master's Degree in Food Science from the U.W., raised two children and served on the Board of Directors of the Madison Symphony Orchestra and as a docent with the Chazen Art Museum. She was also a member of the Madison Symphony Chorus and the Wisconsin Regional Artists Association. Ellen loved singing and was member of the Bethany United Methodist choir for over forty years. In her later years, she was a prolific watercolorist exhibiting her work at various locations.
Ellen is preceded in death by her wonderful mother, Jane Butterfield. She is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Paul O. Simenstad; daughter, Jane Simenstad Sherman; son, Mark L. Simenstad; grandchildren, Ian Sherman, Scott Sherman, Brian Sherman, Emma Sherman, Matthew Simenstad and Stephanie Simenstad.
A Celebration of Ellen's life will take place on Monday, June 17, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church, 3910 Mineral Point Road Madison, WI. Lunch will follow the service. The family wishes that memorials in Ellen's memory be directed to Bethany United Methodist Church.