Ellen Babcock Cuda, of Boca Grande, FL, and East Orleans, MA , former resident of West Hartford, CT, died peacefully surrounded by her family on April 14, 2010, after a valiant battle with ovarian cancer.

Ellie is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Richard S. Cuda; sisters, Jean B. Harbeck, Hartland WI, Dozie A. Sheahan, Bridgehampton, NY, Courtney B. Bourntraeger, Pittsburgh, PA; her children, Corinne C. Ackerman (Michael), Malvern, PA, Fred B. Cuda (Eileen), Longmeadow, MA, and Beth C. Baker (Todd), New Canaan, CT; and her nine beloved grandchildren.

Ellie was born in Pittsburgh, PA, in 1937, the first child of Marnie and Fred Babcock, longtime winter residents of Boca Grande. Ellie graduated from The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, NY and Bennett College, Millbrook, NY. She proudly raised her three children in West Hartford, CT, before retiring to East Orleans and Boca Grande. Wherever Ellie lived she dedicated herself tirelessly and wholeheartedly to volunteering in her community. The Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford Stage Club, Hartford Garden Club, Eastward Ho! Country Club, Cape Cod Museum of Fine Arts, Boca Grande Historical Society, Lemon Bay Golf Club, Boca Grande Women's Club and Stephen Ministry were all blessed by her many talents.

Ellie's love of animals was legendary; from her first dog Mike and her horse, Longwood Lady, to her birthday bash for her beloved wire-haired pointer, Beaufuss, she brought happiness to all around her. Ellie found great joy in the multi-generational family trips that she organized for all her children and grandchildren over the past several years. She was an avid golfer, reader, gardener, and lover of the sparkling sea. You could always see Ellie walking on Nauset or Boca Grande beach at sunrise, looking for Lucky Stones and seashells along her way. Her abundant generosity, strength, and grace inspired many. Ellie's special gift was her ability to meet people where they are, and love them just as they are. Through Ellie and Dick's generosity, Cape Cod Healthcare will soon break ground on the Ellen B. and Richard S. Cuda Women's Health Center, a facility designed specifically to address health concerns for women. Another meaningful donation was made to Kingswood-Oxford School's Chase/Tallwood Science Math Technology Center, in West Hartford, CT. The Cuda family thanks the many friends and caregivers who supported Ellie so lovingly throughout her journey.