Ellen Johnston, 72, died Friday, May 16, 2025 at home in Wind Lake. She was born in Racine on June 4, 1952, the daughter of the late Robert and Agnes (Zauner) Johnston. Ellen graduated from St Catherine’s High School in 1970.
Ellen attended college at UW-Milwaukee where she studied Education and American Sign Language. During college she met Jim Gronowski with whom she had two children, Eli and Kelsey. Ellen worked in various hearing-impaired teaching, diagnostician and specialist positions with the Racine Unified School District making an impact on many children’s lives. She retired from teaching in 2016, last working at Racine Case High School.
Ellen was a caring, empathetic and selfless person. She was a loving mother and was very involved with her children’s lives as they grew up. She was both a Cub Scout Den Leader and Girl Scout Troop leader, chaperoning many Girl Scout camping trips to Camp Singing Hills. Ellen was known as the Science Fair Queen, organizing the Lakeview Elementary Science fair for many years.
Ellen enjoyed gardening, listening to music, cooking, attending Brewers games and socializing with friends. She particularly enjoyed gathering with friends at Charcoal Grill for wings after work. Ellen was an Oscar Mayer Wienermobile enthusiast and enjoyed chance encounters with them in the area.
She is survived by her children, Eli (Stephanie) Gronowski of Eldridge, Iowa and Kelsey (Michael) Chandler of Stoughton; one grandchild, Bryce Gronowski; and sisters Roberta Hyde and Norma Pfaffl. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister Kathryn and her siblings Charles and Carol who died in childhood.
Per Ellen’s wishes, there will be no funeral or visitation.
Integrity Funeral Services is assisting the family. Well-wishers may visit www.integrityfunerals.net.
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