Ellen Louise Van Culin

Ellen Louise Nabb Van Culin, of Massey, MD, passed away peacefully at Compass Regional Hospice in Centreville, MD, on March 6, 2024. She was 82 years old. Ellen was born on February 12, 1942, in Wilmington, DE, to John R. Nabb and Helen F. Zachies Nabb. She grew up in Middletown, DE, and on July 20, 1963 she married the love of her life, Ronald W. Van Culin. They raised their children on his family’s farm near Massey, MD, and celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on July 20, 2023, shortly before he passed away. Ellen was employed by Kent County Public Schools as an instructional assistant at Millington Elementary School from 1975-2005. Three months after she retired she returned as a volunteer and worked approximately 15 hours a week for the next nine years. In 2010 she was recognized by the Maryland Retired School Personnel Association for her dedication and commitment to helping young students learn to read. In addition to working in the classroom and serving as librarian, Ellen regularly donated school supplies and books to students because she knew that a good education was the foundation of a successful life. She also volunteered with Kent County’s Christmas Basket program and adopted local families at Christmas time. Ellen was a wonderful cook and enjoyed preparing meals and baking for her family; she loved looking at recipes and had an extensive collection of cookbooks. Family favorites included her shrimp jambalaya, fried chicken and pineapple upside down cake. School children were often treated to her delicious baked goods. In addition to her parents and her husband she was pre-deceased by three brothers, John R. Nabb, Jr., Kenneth Nabb, and Donald Nabb and a sister, Anne Sweetman. She is survived by her daughter Robin Elaine Klinefelter (Marshall) of Crumpton, MD, and her son Ronald Edward Van Culin (Kathy) of Madeira Beach, FL; two grandchildren, Sara Elizabeth Brock (Adam) of Millington and Steven Edward Van Culin of Chestertown; and two great-grandchildren, Landon Robert Brock and Kyle Adam Brock of Millington. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 20, at Fellows Funeral Home in Millington, MD, where family and friends may call one hour prior. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to Compass Regional Hospice (160 Coursevall Drive, Centreville, MD 21617) or a donation to your local library.

Ellen Louise Van Culin

February 12, 1942 - March 6, 2024