Elizabeth Ellen Wilson Sassara transitioned peacefully from this world on February 23, 2023, in Cypress, Texas. Though she battled a congestive heart condition with superhuman powers, she was rarely stopped by her illness and took on each roadblock with steely determination. She refused to let it stop her from enjoying the huge life she led on Vashon Island, Washington, or making it to her granddaughter Gabrielle’s wedding in Houston, Texas.

Ellen was born in Marcus, Washington, to David and Sarah Elizabeth Wilson on May 4, 1931. She was the youngest child of six children. From an early age, the blue-eyed blond baby sister stood out with her gregarious personality and decidedly mischievous streak. Whether jumping in mud puddles or taming a large Bantam roster named “Tony” who followed her to the bus stop every day of elementary school, she was a force to be reckoned with. A fearless free spirit, Ellen left the small town of Opportunity, Washington, in her early twenties to explore the world as a Pacific Northern Airlines (Delta Airlines) stewardess. Her adventures took her all over Alaska, the “lower 48,” and Europe. Her great love of fashion and travel drew her to start a small business importing German and Austrian ski pants, which she brought back from her travels and sold to friends and family. Her travels would provide a lifetime of stories she regaled when given a chance to share.

While working for Pacific Northern Airlines, she met her future brother-in-law, Chuck Sassara, a pilot for the same company. He loved the tall, pretty blond and was determined to set her up with his younger brother, Richard “Dick” Sassara. The introduction occurred at a pool hall in Anchorage, Alaska, and was a hit! After marriage in Anchorage, the two soon welcomed the first girl in the Sassara family, Lisa, followed by namesake Rick, all while building a robust friend group with the Anchorage Women’s Club members; those early married years volunteering at schools and clubs, led to lifetime friendships.

In 1976, Ellen moved with her young family to Vashon Island, Washington. Once again, the outgoing Ellen embraced the small community and made more friends. Her love of hugging her friends at first sight became her nickname soon after. People who knew her called her “Huggy.” Eventually, as she became a grandmother, she evolved into “Grandma Huggy.”

Ellen’s love of fashion and design was a hit with her fellow creatives on Vashon Island. There she met fellow seamstresses, quilt makers, and knitters who kept her creative juices flowing. As she aged and could not knit and sew, these women would become her social group as they lunched and chatted through the last few years.

Although her travels led her worldwide, no place was more special to her than Vashon Island, where she raised her two children and became a mainstay in the small community. She made everyone feel special, rendering her a mother to all she opened her doors to. To her children, Lisa Sassara Susich, Rick Sassara, son in-law, Mark Susich and daughter-in-law, Amy Sassara, she was a loving, creative, and quintessentially happy mother. Ellen was also a dedicated grandmother to grandchildren Alexandra Susich, Gabrielle Susich, and Kathleen Sassara.

Ellen’s dynamic spirit is timeless and eternal, and we are grateful for the chance that she had to touch so many lives. To quote a lifelong friend, “she was a treasure.”