We regret to inform you of the death of Mrs. Jo Ellen Lennox, the wife of Retired Captain Edward Lennox, on July 19, 2016 following a lengthy illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Lennox family and their friends at this difficult time. The following obituary information has been reprinted from the Frederick News Post.
Ellen (Spangler) Lennox passed into God’s loving hands on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, following a lengthy illness.
Her strong love of life, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends, caregivers and many supporters carried her through her journey.
Devoted wife, mother and “Mema,” she was born on October 12, 1939, in Hagerstown, MD, the only child, and beloved daughter of Charles and Kathryn Spangler.
Known for her ease in frequent conversation with even total strangers, she possessed a contagious smile and an entertaining sense of humor.
Throughout her life she maintained a positive attitude, a compassion for others, and a demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many.
After graduating from North Hagerstown High School in 1957, she attended Frostburg State Teachers’ College, where she met her husband, Edward W. Lennox.
The couple wed on November 8, 1958, and raised five wonderful children.
Over the years, she held professional positions at St. John’s Elementary School, Meadows Van and Storage, Middletown High School and Wells Fargo Mortgage Co. In 1981 she was President of the Frederick Business & Professional Women’s Club, and in 1985 voted Woman of the Year. Upon her retirement in 2004, she and her husband continued as active volunteers in the Holy Catholic Family Community, the Parish where they have worshipped for over 20 years.
A woman of faith and the heart of the Lennox family, Jo Ellen was a true friend of nature.
She enjoyed nothing more than to coax nature to her porch, with a plethora of peanuts and birdseed.
In 2006, she helped to establish the “Eaglet Momsters,” a group of over 100 Eagle cam enthusiasts, dedicated to the Shepherdstown, WV, nest site, and supporters of the Federal Wildlife Service National Conservation Training Center.
She stayed connected daily with friends and family on Facebook, and there was no greater compliment than being “stalked on Facebook by Mema.”
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Edward W. Lennox; and five children and their spouses, Kristen and John Leaf of Big Pool, Susan and Brian Koches of Catonsville, Jennifer and James Vallandingham of Knoxville, Michael and Donna Lennox of Frederick, and Charles and Susan Lennox of Middletown.
She leaves 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life, and she theirs.
A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Holy Family Catholic Community, 7321 Burkittsville Road, Middletown, MD 21769, on Saturday, July 30, 2016, at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the Church.
A reception will be held immediately following in the Legacy Room of the Church.
Interment will be private.
For more information, please call the Donald B. Thompson Funeral Home at 301-371-6070.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Holy Family Catholic Community of Middletown or to the Eagle Cam at NCTC, c/o Steve Chase, 698 Conservation Way, Shepherdstown, WV 25443.