Obituary: Ellen Lee Hoverkamp, 68, Of West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT — (From West Haven Funeral Home): Ellen Lee Hoverkamp, 68, died at her home in West Haven, on October 10, 2023 after a long fight with ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) lung cancer. Ellen is survived by her loving husband Timothy King Jr.

Ellen was born in Hartford, CT on May 23, 1955, the daughter of the late Kennard and Judith (Winalski) Hoverkamp. She is predeceased by her brother Mark Hoverkamp and is survived by her nieces and nephews, Sarah, Adam and Jaclyn King; Mark, Jayden, Kennard and Julie Hoverkamp, her great nephew Dayne and great niece Elaine. She leaves her mother-in-law Patricia C. King and her “in-laws” Cathleen King (Paul Catalano), David (Patricia) King, and James King; her Uncle Conrad (Eleanor) Winalski, numerous cousins and relatives.

Ellen completed a successful 33-year career as an Art Educator for the West Haven School System. In addition to her teaching profession, Ellen was a visual artist and pioneer in the medium of scanner photography. Her images combined the harvested flowers and vegetables from friends’ gardens creating stunning compositions, immortalizing the ephemeral.

Ellen’s captivating images were also featured in two acclaimed gardening books, The Scentual Garden and Natural Companions which earned her a gold medal from the Garden Writer’s Association for garden photography in 2013.

A consummate beach comber, many of Ellen’s most beautiful works preserve the marine mementos of her seaside walks. Her work has been featured in prestigious gardening publications, art museums and private collections.

Ellen had the unique artistic vision and ability to collect, compose and transform the simple souvenirs of the natural world into the realm of the magical.

Ellen’s husband would like to acknowledge and thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Smilow Cancer Hospital for their dedication and compassionate care. In addition, he sends a special “thank you” to the loving and supportive members of Ellen’s “Alky” art therapy group who provided the courage, strength and support that sustained them throughout her illness. Ellen was a devoted and generous Aunt, wife, and friend who will be forever remembered and greatly missed.

At Ellen’s request there will be no calling hours or services. A Celebration of Ellen’s Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to ALK Positive Inc., www.alkpositive.kindful.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to West Haven Funeral Home at the Green.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit West Haven Funeral Home here.