Ellen Surpitski's Obituary
Ellen Surpitski, 94, of Fort Myers, Florida passed away on Sunday, November 27, 2011 in Fort Myers, Florida.?á Mrs. Surpitski was the daughter of the late John Cutrumbes and Despina Contaxopoulus. Ellen spent her childhood on her parents farm in Dracut, Massachusetts, where she was born on September 26th, 1917.?á Her family farm was active, during the depression, providing work for those without jobs and giving vegetables to workers, neighbors and to strangers who found there way to their door.?á Ellen had four brothers.?á She has many happy memories of when her city cousins came to stay for the summers.?á Her home was always brimming with family. Ellen attended a women?ÇÖs business/finishing school.?á Her father wanted his daughters to be an educated lady.?á She worked in retail for five years as the manager of the toy department in a large store in Lowell, MA.?á She wanted more in life and wanted to help people.?á Ellen graduated from Lowell General Hospital as a registered nurse.?á She found employment at a state hospital in Danvers, MA.?á There, a mutual friend introduced her to Kosty Surpitski, a farm worker at the time, at the hospital.?á They were married June 24th, 1945.?á Together they raised two children, their daughter Gwen and a son, John.?á Their family has grown to include three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Ellen?ÇÖs art career began when she was forced to give up her career after 30 years, in 1975 due to a serious back injury.?á She received her degree in fine arts from Salem State College in Massachusetts in 1985.?á She has studied with internationally known artists.?á Her artistic achievements include winning several awards in juried shows in New England.?á She was featured in the 1982 edition of ?Ç£Who?ÇÖs Who of American Women?Ç¥ as well as ?Ç£World Who?ÇÖs Who of Women?Ç¥.?á Her art work is on display in various places around the world to include: Canada, Europe and the American Embassy in China.?á She has had many art associations over the years to include vice presidency for the board of directors of the Newburyport Art Association of Massachusetts.?á The Copley Art Association of Boston and a charter member of the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC. Ellen and Kosty retired to Ocala, Florida.?á They lived there for 23 years.?á They moved to the Sterling House of Fort Myers, an Assisted Living Facility in July of 2008, as Ellen needed more attention due to a broken hip and they would be closer to family.?á Ellen and Kosty enjoyed their life at the Sterling House and remained as active as they chose.?á Ellen enjoyed the art classes, especially those taught by her daughter.?á She is survived by her husband, Kosty Surpitski of Fort Myers, FL;?á her daughter, Gwen (Roger) Kenneally of Fort Myers, FL; her son, John (Constance) Surpitski of Ipswich, MA; her grandchildren, Scott Kenneally, Heather Kenneally and Richard Surpitski;?á her great grandchildren, Katelin Margard, Maxx Kenneally-Betts, Michaela Surpitski and Natasia Surpitski.?á No formal funeral services have been scheduled at this time.?á The family is being assisted by Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.?á Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.fortmyersmemorial.com.
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