Ellen C. Stefansson

Ellen Coolahan Stefansson (age 91) On March 25, 2013, in Annapolis, MD, Ellen C. Stefansson, beloved wife of the late Dr. Karl Stefansson, mother of Karla E. Stefansson, Kathleen S. Green (David L.), Karen M. Stefansson, Kelcy M. Stefansson (Joel L. Briske), Anne M. Baldini (honorary daughter); sister of William M. Coolahan; sister-in law of Helen E. Coolahan; grandmother to Michele G. Watson (Edward), Kyle S. Green (Elizabeth), Sean S. Green, Brian S. Green, Jamie L. Briske; great grandmother to Sophia Grace Watson and Vincent W. Green. Born in Baltimore, Maryland on August 10, 1921 to William P. Coolahan and Marion K. Ziegler, Ellen McIntyre Coolahan Stefansson enjoyed a carefree childhood exploring the rivers and streams of the Chesapeake Bay in the sailboat "Mickey C". Mickey was the nickname her father gave her because of her golden red hair. Ellen was the 4th of six children: John, Edward, Marion, Ellen, Joan, and William. After high school, she studied nursing at St. Agnes Hospital where she received her RN. Further studies at Providence Hospital found her in Washington, DC, during the war years. Quite exciting times for her. Married to Dr. Karl Stefansson on November 4, 1946, they lived in DC and Virginia before moving to the territory of Alaska where Karl worked for the U.S. Geological Survey mapping the Brooks Range. While he was out on the north slope, Ellen worked at St. Joseph's Hospital in Fairbanks. Later on, Karl took a position with Conoco Oil Company as a field geologist which required frequent relocations. Daughters Karla and Kathleen were born in Wyoming, Karen in Colorado, and Kelcy in Utah. They also lived in New Mexico, Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Ellen loved her time out West, living almost a gypsy existence with her family. The family moved to Virginia in the early 60's when Karl returned to the USGS. At this time, Ellen returned to the nursing profession as an OR nurse at Arlington Hospital. Four years later, a move to Maryland brought her to Prince Georges General Hospital where she worked in the ICU. From there she stepped into the Night Supervisory Nurse position for 20 years and from which she retired in 1986. Karl died in 1977. Retirement gave her the opportunity to pursue activities such as bowling, bridge, crossword puzzles, gardening, and traveling. Ellen visited China, Singapore, Thailand, Egypt (she loved crawling thru King Tut's tomb and was actually able to touch those treasures!), Turkey, Greece, and all of the Greek Islands, Canada, as well as most of New England and many other states. Ellen's daughters, always known as the "4 K's", all graduated from college, and all married. For Kathleen and her husband Dave, they had four children. And in 2010, she became a Great Grand Parent when Sophia Grace Watson was born, followed by Vincent W. Green in 2011. They called her Gramma Mick-Mick and she loved them dearly. Many Irish Setters and other animal creatures made their way into her life and heart. The dogs were so loved and cared for, and so much a part of her family, that many people stated they'd like to come back as a Stefansson dog in their next life! Klancie was the latest Irish in her life along with his bratty younger brother (both now 3 years old) FyrBear, a Golden Retriever. "The Boys" as these two are called, gave her such joy and pleasure and they loved their Gramma dearly. Ellen and Karl raised four very independent daughters with diverse careers and interests. They were so proud of their daughters who now mourn the loss of their mother but are so grateful for all the wonderful years together with her. The bond among the 4 Ks was and is strong and unbreakable; a testament to their Mom's loving, caring, and empowering nature and strong sense of Family. She will be missed greatly.