Ellen M. Hills

Ellen M. (Yaconiello) Hills, 81, formerly of Lakeview Park, Columbia, widow of Morgan A. Hills, died Monday, September 9, 2002 at Harrington Court in Colchester surrounded by her family. Ellen was born in Hartford on February 22, 1921; she was the eldest of ten children born to Frank J. and Mary (Barry) Yaconiello. Ellen and Morgan moved from East Hartford to Columbia in 1957, choosing Columbia as a more suitable environment to raise their family. Ellen worked as an EKG technician at Windham Hospital and in her later years was a Hospice volunteer, but she was best known for her dedicated work as a member of the Columbia Board of Education from November 1965 to February 1981. She ran for election again in 1992 and remained seated until 1995. She is survived by four children, Beverly Rotondaro and her husband Leo, Joan Stavinsky and her husband Ron, Judi Hills ad her husband Jim Cushing, Morgan A. Hills II and his wife Mia. Three sisters and a brother, Janice Yaconiello of San Diego, CA, Frances Cyrus of Phoenix, AZ, Mary McLane of Lake City, FL and William Yaconiello of Norfolk, VA also survive her. Ellen had nine grandchildren and four great grandsons. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. Willimantic. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at St. Columba Church in Columbia with assembly at the church. Immediately following the Mass Ellen will finally be laid to rest beside her loving husband of 50 years in the Center Cemetery, Columbia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Columbia Fire Department's Emergency Medical Squad, Columbia, CT 06237.