Ellen Frances Cogan

Ellen Frances Cogan, 94, died April 29th, 2015. Born June 30, 1920, in Ramsey, New Jersey, she was the daughter of William and Mary Helen Van Buren; wife of late Eugene J. Cogan, and mother of Mariellen (Cogan) Curtis and Michael Cogan. Ellen and Gene lived in Amherst New Hampshire for over 40 years until Ellen’s recent move to Sanctuary Care in Rye, New Hampshire. Ellen will be remembered for her independent spirit, ability to adapt, positive attitude and generosity. As the wife of a career Air Force officer, Ellen made well over a dozen moves of house and home both inside the United States and to the United Kingdom and always saw the changes as “opportunities”. She arranged all of the family outings and holidays to include trips to Scotland, Ireland, camp for the children in Switzerland, and as many museums and historic sites as possible. During their “tour of duty” in England, Ellen and Gene thoroughly enjoyed seeing such luminary performers as John Gielgud, Lawrence Olivier, and Judy Garland as well as the Bolshoi Ballet. They thought it very important that their children should have the opportunity to experience all of the cultural benefits of Europe. Upon return to the U.S.A., Gene was an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies (USAF-ROTC) at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, NH and Ellen worked in the UNH Library and later served as Secretary to the Dean of Students. Following their time in Durham, Gene and Ellen moved to Longmeadow, MA. Ellen worked at Hamilton Standard in Windsor Locks, CT, and was very involved in St. Mary’s Parish while son, Michael, attended Fryeburg Academy in Fryeburg, ME and daughter, Mariellen, attended Cathedral High School in Springfield, MA. In 1966, Major Cogan served as Liaison Officer and advisor to the Vietnamese Air Force in Saigon, Republic of Vietnam. In 1972, Gene and Ellen moved to Amherst, NH. Gene was employed by numerous organizations including Central Connecticut State College, Framingham State College, and Boston University providing counseling services in student aid and financial aid programs. Ellen was very active in the Historical Society, the Questors, volunteered at St Patrick’s Church in Milford, and enjoyed the company of others playing bridge. Ellen is survived by her son and his family, Michael and L.B., in Derby, KS and their three daughters and their families: Melinda (Cogan) Souders, Melissa (Cogan) Swagerty, and Heather Cogan; her daughter, Mariellen and husband Robert Curtis; her nephew and his family in Turnersville, NJ: Peter and Barbara Vilord. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Ellen Cogan: Alzheimers Association National Office, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601. There are no calling hours. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. in St. Patrick’s Church, 34 Amherst Street, Milford. Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Amherst, NH.