Ellen Lockhart's Obituary
Ellen Ann Lockhart, 66, passed away Thursday, August 6, 2020, at home with family by her side. She fought a long, but well lived battle with cancer.
Ellen was born on October 11, 1953, in Copenhagen, Denmark to her late father, Jesse Kirkwood, and mother, Gerda Kirkwood.
In addition to her mother, she is survived by her daughter, Vanessa Lockhart; grandson, Trae Means; sister, Sandra Fulmer (Stan); and two nieces.
Ellen earned her BSN from Gardner Webb University and continued her career in nursing with a passion. Ellen worked in almost ever aspect of nursing, from Spinal Rehabilitation, Emergency Department, Nurse Educator, Harris Hospice Unit, Hospice of Charlotte, Oncology, many others, and finally, the area she spent so much of her time in, Chemotherapy.
Ellen gave of herself endlessly; she was always there when someone was in need. She didn't seem to know the word "No" when it came to helping others. Ellen volunteered with many organizations: Angels and Sparrows, Serenity House, Lydia's Loft, Hospice of Charlotte, missionary trips with G.A.i.N, (Global Missionary Network), Habitat for Humanity and many, many cancer fund raisers. Also, while ill with cancer, Ellen wrote letters of encouragement and support to other ovarian cancer patients as well.
Ellen and her mother were great companions and had a very special friendship; they were always looking out for one another. Whenever they were out for errands, it most surely would include dining out for lunch.
Ellen learned to fish at an early age and her father taught her love for the outdoors. Their early morning fishing trips evolved to fly fishing, and she became a member of "Women on the Fly". Ellen loved camping, hiking, and sports. To her daughter Vanessa, Ellen was an exemplary role model. Learning by example, Vanessa's goal was to follow in her mother's footsteps. This led lead Vanessa to her own career in nursing. When Ellen's favorite basketball team was about to play, she would call her grandson Trae to be sure he would tune in to watch the game. A highlight for Trae was when Ellen got them courtside seats at the game. Ellen was also the sister who was always there. Never critical, she only wanted to have her sister's back. They shared joy, laughter, happiness, sadness, or when they both just needed a friend. Ellen will surely be missed, but she will be forever remembered by family and many, many friends.
The memorial service will be held 1:00 PM Wednesday, August 12 at Gilwood Presbyterian Church, 2993 Odell School Road, Concord, NC. There will be a private graveside service for the immediate family at Mt. Zion Community Cemetery, Cornelius, NC, following the memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition at http://ovarian.org/donate/ways-to-give.
The family requests that those who attend the church memorial service wear masks and respect social distancing. There will not be a visitation due to current pandemic circumstances and also for the safety and health of our family and friends. We hope you understand our decision.
Condolences may be offered at www.JamesFuneralHomeLKN.com.
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