Ellen Ann Rafiee
Mom died last week on November 28, 2022, on a beautiful, clear Monday. She was 86.
Ellen was born in Baltimore to Oscar and Hanna Williges, but she lived most of her life in Chattanooga and on Signal Mountain. She attended City High School and Tennessee Tech. She graduated from NYU and the Bellevue Schools of Nursing before returning to Chattanooga to spend three decades as a nurse in the Chattanooga City Schools.
Ellen was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Robert; and her husband, Joe, of more than 50 years. She is survived by her children, Leigh Anne (John) and Marcus (Jill), and 5 grandchildren, Jay, Macon, Joe (Beth), Joss, and Tessa.
Mom loved animals and plants. Throughout her life, the house was filled with cats who were as much a part of the family as any of the humans. She volunteered regularly at the Tennessee Aquarium as a docent and took great pride in touring any friends visiting from out of town. At home, she was happiest in her garden, always bringing new life and beauty to her corner of the mountain.
Mom and Dad enjoyed the company of many lifetime friends in Chattanooga. They belonged to a duplicate bridge club with the same six couples for over 30 years. Some of Mom’s best friends were classmates from her high school days.
Most of all, Mom showed her family and friends the true meaning of unconditional love. We will always remember the joy and laughter that Mom brought into every room, even in her last several years. We are especially grateful to the staff at Alexian Memory Care who took such kind and loving care of Mom for the past seven years.
A burial service attended by the immediate family took place a few days after her death.
A celebration of life memorial service is planned for Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, at 1 p.m. in the main chapel at Alexian Village, 437 Alexian Way, Signal Mountain, Tn., with a reception to follow at Alexian Village.
In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored by a donation to an organization benefiting animals, such as the Alice Fund of the Cat Clinic of Chattanooga or McKamey Animal Center or the Tennessee Aquarium or any other local organization dear to your heart.
Please share your thoughts and memories at: www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.