THOMASTON — Ellen R. Spring, 71, died peacefully, Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at Windward Gardens with her loving family at her side.

Born in Rockland, November 3, 1952, she was the daughter of Richard and Fern Browne Spring. Educated locally she was a graduate of Rockland High School. Following graduation she attended University of Maine at Orono, earning her Bachelors of Arts in English. Later she attended the University of Rhode Island, earning a Master’s in Library Science.

A lover of literature, Ellen spent many years working as a librarian at several local schools. For over 25 years she was the librarian in the Rockland School District.

Her passion led her to seek a seat on the John Newbury Award Selection Committee, which she earned, serving as president form 2021 to 2023. She spent countless hours reviewing children’s books for the prestigious metal. For many years she took an annual trip to Georgia where she graded tests for the American Library Association.

When not engrossed in a good book, or keeping a bustling library going, Ellen could be found pounding the pavement, running in over 20 marathons and too many road races to count. She shared her love of running with her students, coaching the Cross Country and Track and Field teams at Oceanside High School for many years. Running her last Boston Marathon in 2022, Ellen continued volunteering at the marathon even after her body no longer allowed her to run.

Later in life, Ellen traded her running shoes for Croc’s and was known for her color-coordinated outfits. If her shirt was blue, her pants were blue and so were her Croc’s! Her family said she owned Croc’s in every color of the rainbow.

She had quite a sense of adventure and was always up for a trip. She loved traveling for races, library conventions and historic tours, often with her family and good friends at her side. Together with her mother Fern, Ellen looked forward to fair season each year, when they went to watch and bet on the horse races. Trips to casinos, any casino, was always something Ellen was up for. Spending time with family was a top priority for Ellen. The yearly family holiday gathering with lobster and corn were some of her favorite pastimes.

She had a special place in her heart for animals, especially wild ones, buying special turkey feed each week and feeding the turkeys that graced her yard.

For the past month, Ellen has resided at Windward Gardens, where although she longed to be in her own home, she was grateful to have the wonderful care of the staff there. Her quiet, happy nature made her easy to like, and she made friends wherever she went. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Predeceased by her parents; her companion, Donald Sanborn in 2011; her brother, Stephen Spring in 2023; and her sister-in-law, Suzanne Spring in 1997; Ellen is survived by her nieces, Rebecca Dumont and her husband Kevin of North Berwick; Molly Spring of California; a nephew, Nathaniel Spring and his wife Yoko; her companion Don’s family, who were truly her family; as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.

A gathering of love and remembrance will be held Monday, October 14, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m., at Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Oceanside High School, with Track Improvements in the Memo, 400 Broadway, Rockland, Maine 04841.

To share a memory or condolence with the Spring family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.