Local artist, Ellen Jane White, of Leesburg, Virginia passed away on June 17, 2009 at Loudoun Hospital Center. She was 81 years old.

Ellen was born May 12, 1928 in New York to the late John P. and Carolyn (Weber) White. While reading her mother's (Carolyn) journal, the family learned her first word was "Da Da". She previously lived in St. Louis, Missouri and New York. While living in Jackson Heights, New York her house was located toward the end of the runway at LaGuardia Airport. Many times planes were taking off and landing so frequently that she and her family went without sleep for 24 hours at a time. She later moved to Fairfax, Virginia where she lived until 1975. Leesburg, Virginia was home from 1975 to 2009. In Leesburg she made many friends.

A registered nurse, she was trained while serving with the military in the United States Army during World War II. Later, she worked as an industrial registered nurse at Kosher Slaughter House, nursing those who received cuts or may have been kicked by the animals. At times she was requested to go into the homes of those in need; often needing the security of armed guards to go in with her. She also worked as a nurse at the Atlantic Research, where columns for rockets were made. After moving to Leesburg, she worked for Graydon Manor.

While living in Leesburg, she found her love for painting. While working with many mediums, acrylics were her favorite. Her paintings included live nudes, sketches from the civil war era, children, angels and Raggedy Anne -shown as both African American and Caucasian. But her acrylics of pigs were her favorites. Ellen was a current member of the Sketch Club. Her paintings were placed in shows in Hillsboro, Waterford and The Plains.

She was of the Catholic faith and loved visiting the Holy Cross Abbey in Berryville, Virginia. Her favorite color was bright kelly green. Ellen loved pigs; whether it be her acrylic pig paintings, collecting pig knick knacks or the cement ones for her yard. Her favorite shows included NCIF, Dancing With the Stars and watching Jim Lehr on BBC.

Ellen is survived by her children: Clairia, Paul, Mitch, Maria, Carol, Billy, Tommy, John and Eun-Ja; 9 grandchildren; 1 great grandchildren; brothers: Barry and John; close friends Gene Gleason, Shantel and longtime friend Fuggie. She was preceded in death by her parents John P. and Carolyn (Weber) White and son Jimmy.

A memorial service will be held at Colonial Funeral Home, 201 Edwards Ferry Rd. NE, Leesburg, VA 20176 on Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 11:00 a.m.