Ellen E. Thompson

Ellen Elizabeth (Coon) Thompson, 93, of Pittsburgh, PA, formerly of Bethesda, MD, passed away peacefully at home with family on December 17, 2025.

She is survived by her immensely loved, but sometimes exhausting, children Barbara Thompson of Pittsburgh and Douglas, his wife Marla and grandson Chase Thompson of Anchorage, brothers Howard (Bonnie McAndrew and the late Gay) Coon, Darl (Janice and the late Karen) Coon, and 8 nieces and nephews.

Born on January 25, 1932, Ellen was the daughter of the late Lloyd and Corinne (Switzer) Coon. For 53 years she was the much beloved (and perpetually patient) wife of the late Warren E. Thompson.  She was proceeded in death by sister Thelma (Guy) Parish, and brothers Claire, Arthur (Beverly), and Gerald (Alice) Coon.

Ellen retired from teaching elementary school to become a proud homemaker and volunteer; she proudly sewed for herself and her young family, found joy in Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging), wrote thoughtful and regular letters to family and friends, and was an avid reader throughout her life.

During two summers with the Experiment in International Living, she lived with families in Sweden and the Netherlands. She and Warren explored the continental US and Canada by car and twice traveled to Europe to show each other their favorite places and meet each other’s host families. Upon returning home after each journey, Ellen spent hours creating scrapbooks with photos, receipts and mementos.

Ellen was an active and long-time member of Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Bethesda, MD, serving on many, many committees throughout the years from Board of Trustees to the “Call Girls” (receptionists answering incoming calls to the church).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Ellen’s memory.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date in Maryland. Arrangements were entrusted to Pittsburgh Cremation & Funeral Care, Robinson Township, PA.