Obituary of Ellen Larsen Geer

Ellen Larsen Geer, born November 2, 1927, to Axel and Helga Larsen, a first generation American daughter of Danish immigrants has died. Proud of both her Danish heritage and American citizenship, Ellen grew up in Laurelton, Long Island, NY.  Her family moved to Ledyard, Connecticut to farm, where she met the love of her life, Earl Geer. Ellen attended Bates College in Maine, returning to Ledyard to care for her mother after a year. At that time, she served as school teacher for the Geer Hill School in Ledyard, a one room schoolhouse, and then went on to graduate from Eastern State Connecticut Teachers College. 

After having met on the school bus on the first day of school in Ledyard, Ellen and Earl dated in middle and high school, but went their went their separate ways upon graduation, Ellen to college and Earl to the US Navy.  They reunited soon after and were married in 1954, and lived in New York City and then moved to Bronxville, New York, to raise their four children.  In Bronxville, Ellen was active in the PTA, tutoring in Harlem, church life and the Garden Club.  She started an antique jewelry business, and worked as a substitute teacher, all around her devotion to her children and husband.  

Part-time residents in Woodstock since 1956, Ellen and Earl moved full time to Fairlane Farm in 1987 to enjoy their retirement.  The Farm became a bevy of activity around gardens, Christmas trees, friends and a landing spot for their grown children, spouses and soon, nine grandchildren.  Ellen was active in the life of the First Congregational Church of Woodstock, where she served as a Deacon, and in the L’Apres Midi organization. 

Ellen died June 25, 2018, surrounded by her family, and loving caregivers from Day Kimball Homemakers, who have provided care for the last several years.  Ellen is preceded in death by her parents, her brother Eric Larsen, her husband Earl Jr, and grandson John, and is survived by her children Kristen Kaiser (Charles), Earl III, (Sara), Susan (Daniel) and Karen Donovan (Jim) and grandchildren, William, Emma, Nell, Rose, Lucy, Beatrix, Charlotte and Roan.  For those desiring, contributions to Day Kimball Homemakers or Connecticut Hospice would be appreciated.   A memorial service will be held at a later date.