Jeanne Ellis

Jeanne Elizabeth (Petersen) Ellis, 78, of Millersville, Maryland, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025 in Crownsville, Maryland.

She is survived by her former husband, David, and their two devoted sons, Trevor (Carie) and Patrick (Susan). She was the proud grandmother of Jarin, Riley, and Faith. She is also survived by her older brother, Robert “Bob” Petersen Jr. She was preceded in death by her younger brother, Harold Petersen.

Born in California to Dora and Robert “Pete” Petersen Sr., Jeanne had an early life of adventure, traveling with her family to her father’s many Navy duty locations, including Yokohama, Japan; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Newport News, Virginia. After marrying David, they lived in Massachusetts, where she worked for State Street Bank, before eventually settling in Maryland, which became the permanent home for their growing family.

For 32 years, Jeanne dedicated herself to teaching elementary school, primarily shaping the minds of first-graders at Manor View Elementary School in Fort Meade before retiring in 2005.

Jeanne was known for her enduring generosity and, most notably, her profound love for her dogs. She was passionate about her Shetland Sheepdogs, competing with them in agility and volunteering with them as therapy dogs in convalescence homes and programs for special needs children. Her dog Niki held a most special place in her heart, providing a judgment-free audience for children to read to and a comforting friend to those with social anxiety and other special needs. An avid, lifelong reader, Jeanne spent her later years enjoying a book with a dog curled up faithfully at her feet.

To celebrate Jeanne’s life, there will be a Memorial Gathering on Thursday, October 23, from 3:00 to 5:00pm at Hardesty Funeral Home in Gambrills, Maryland.

In lieu of flowers ,donations can be made to your local animal shelter in Jeanne’s memory

Hardesty Funeral Home

851 Annapolis Rd.

Gambrills, MD 21054