Ellen M. Sangesland

Ellen M. (Piene) Sangesland, 94, formerly a longtime resident of Plainview, NY passed away on November 29, 2024, in Manchester, NH. 

Ellen was born and raised in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, NY and later attended Wagner College, where she pursued her passion for teaching. Her friend, Odd Sangesland, was also from Bay Ridge. They were engaged before, and later married after he returned from the Korean War. Together they shared 63 wonderful years of marriage, until his passing in 2016, raising their family in Plainview.

Ellen was a dedicated educator at Central Boulevard Elementary School in Bethpage, NY and a deeply involved member of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Plainview. She gave generously of her time as a troop leader and volunteer for both the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. A gifted craftswoman, Ellen taught ceramics and excelled in needlework. She always had a project in hand - whether knitting a sweater, quilting, crocheting, or embroidering - with most creations lovingly made as gifts for others.

Ellen and her husband Odd were active members of the Sons of Norway Norden Lodge in Huntington, where Ellen delighted in preserving Norwegian traditions. She was known for her festive waffles, Christmas cookies, and other cherished family recipes; traditions that continue to bring joy to her loved ones. In her later years, she found fulfillment volunteering at Helping Hands Rescue Mission in Huntington. An adventurous spirit, Ellen traveled the world, shared captivating stories, and lived with an open and generous heart. She touched many lives with her kindness, creativity, and love of family and community.

She is survived by her children Marianne, Steven, and Laura, as well as her beloved grandchildren: Andrew, Jamie, Elizabeth, Natalie, and Alexandra, and her great-grandson Harry. She was preceded in death by her husband, Odd, and her son, David.

Visitation will take place at Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 243 Hanover St., Manchester, NH on Saturday, November 30th from 5 to 7 PM. There will be a graveside service in Pinelawn Memorial Park, Farmingdale, NY, on Friday, December 6th at noon where she will be laid to rest next to her husband. To view an online tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.phaneuf.net