Ellen Richelieu Lopez

Ellen Richelieu Lopez, 63, passed away on March 1, 2016, at Lakewood Ranch Medical Center in Bradenton. Ellen was born June 21, 1952, in St Petersburg to Charles and Betty Richelieu. The second of five children, and, despite being stricken with polio at 16 months old, Ellen had a wonderful childhood growing up, developing lifelong friendships throughout school, church, and the community. A 1970 graduate of Manatee High School, Ellen was very active in a number of clubs and organizations, with her favorite being Marching Band. A highlight during this time was a mission trip to Alaska. Always excelling in school, she attended Manatee Junior College and went on to graduate in 1974 from University of West Florida in Pensacola, majoring in Elementary Education. While at UWF, Ellen was honored as Delta Tau Delta's Sweetheart. Always focused on the education of all kids, Ellen later earned her Masters in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. Ellen married Ray in 1982 and had an 'instant' family with 13-year old twins Ray and Rene' and later that year were blessed with adopting their daughter Margaret. Ellen immediately began her teaching career as a second grade teacher at Oneco Elementary in August of 1974. With the small hiatus of three years raising her baby, she continued her passion for teaching at Oneco, Braden River, and Wakeland elementary schools, serving as the Instructional Technology Coordinator, and, after being accepted to the Administration Pool of Candidates, served as an Assistant Principal at both Myakka and Braden River elementary schools before retiring in 2009. At that time, she became full time Wife, Mom, Grandma, and Friend to All. Throughout her long and fruitful life, Ellen developed and maintained an immeasurable network of friends, engaging and always looking to help anyone at anytime. Family and friends all agree on two things about Ellen: the education of children, of any age or background, was her drive and obsession; and Ellen was never limited by polio, excelling in everything she did and impacting the lives she touched. Her passion was her family, particularly her husband, children, and grandchildren. Ellen's other notable hobbies were decorating for Christmas; cooking with the grandkids; shopping; floral designs; all the latest and greatest technology; and, of course, UF football!!!. Ellen was predeceased by her dad, 'Charlie' Richelieu, and her son, Ray Lopez III. She is survived by her loving husband of 34 years, Ray Bell Lopez, Jr., daughters Rene' (Bill) Howard of Locust Grove, GA, and Margaret (Jason) Davenport of Bradenton, mother Betty Richelieu, sister Peggy (Scott) Harris of Deland, FL, brothers Charlie and Gary Richelieu of Bradenton, five grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends. A Celebration of Ellen's life will be held at 10:00 A.M on Saturday, March 5, 2016, at Crosspointe Community Church, 3530 Whitfield Ave. Sarasota. Condolences for the family may be made online at www.shannonfuneralhomes.com.