Ellen G. Valentine

ELLEN G. VALENTINE (nee MacGregor), 65, passed away on July 28, 2022 in Kirtland, Ohio. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Ellen was born to Jane and Ronald MacGregor on October 21, 1956, and grew up in Lakewood, Ohio. She enjoyed a career of 20 years at John Carroll University, including eight years as an Administrative Assistant to the Dean for the College of Arts & Sciences. She also loved her time as a volunteer at the Holden Arboretum and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

She found solace and beauty in nature. Ellen enjoyed sharing her knowledge about trees, plants, animals, and insects with her children and grandchildren. Her family often joked that her mind was like an encyclopedia. They relied on her outstanding memory for detail and routinely sought her advice and guidance. She was central to her family’s life as a source of care, support, and compassion.

Her family was most important to her. Ellen is survived by her beloved husband of 42 years, David. She was a proud and devoted mother to her daughters, Heather Valentine-Gold (husband Jared) and Julia Muller (husband Christopher). A cherished grandmother to Jaxson, Everett, Laurel, and Quinn, whom she considered the “lights of her life.” She will be greatly missed by her brothers and sisters, Terry MacGregor (Lynn, deceased), Bruce MacGregor (Karen), Jennilea Madden (Mel), Jane Neff (Robert), Kirk MacGregor, Scott MacGregor (Kate); her sisters-in-law, Alice Valentine, Nancy Valentine-Adams (Robert); her many nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations may be made to the Holden Arboretum or Hospice of the Western Reserve.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.