Ellen Cochran

Cochran, Ellen 80, of Huntley, IL passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. She was born February 3, 1944, in Norwich, CT to James and Margaret Deignan.

Ellen attended St. Patrick’s Elementary and graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1961 both in Norwich, CT. Her undergraduate degree was in Fashion Merchandising from Florida State University in 1965. Her Masters Degree was from Wichita State University in 1982 in Education. She spent her 25 year career in counseling for the Wichita Public Schools where she served middle school students at Mead, Robinson, and Horace Mann. She received the Good Apple award in 1987 while at Mead and 1996 while at Robinson. One of her proudest moments was organizing a “Teen Issues” Workshop” for 420 teens to openly discuss and educate on issues facing teens. After her retirement in 2007, Ellen relocated to Illinois to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

Ellen had a strong faith and was a member of St. Mary’s in Derby for over 40 years. She served on the Alter Society Guild while a parishioner including a 2 year term as President. She lovingly passed on her strong belief in God to her children and grandchildren. She loved to travel and she would constantly be visiting family and friends across the United States. One highlight of her travels was a 30th anniversary trip to Europe where she was able to see Vatican City and Ireland, two bucket list destinations.

Ellen is survived by her sons, Lloyd, and Eric; daughter-in-law, Maureen (Novak) Cochran; and Lloyd and Maureen's four children, Allison, Jennifer, Caroline, and Brian; her siblings; James, and Judy. Ellen was preceded in death by her spouse, Gerald Cochran, her parents, James Deignan and Margaret (Peg) Callahan.

Visitation with family is 9:30 AM Friday, March 8, 2024, followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial, both at St Mary's Catholic Church, 2300 E. Meadowlark Rd, Derby, Kansas. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at themmrf.org