Ellen Delaney Spengler died at home in Kittery, ME, with her family on Wednesday April 12, 2023.  Since her diagnosis in November 2021, she faced her incurable brain tumor, a glioblastoma, with strength and grace.

A lifelong reader, traveler, and teacher, she was born Ellen Clare Delaney in 1943 to Leo M. Delaney and Enid (nee Gilmore) Delaney.

Her favorite childhood memories included growing up in Milton, Ma, and swimming in Buzzards Bay with her three younger brothers and extended family.

At age 16 she met her husband, Kenneth Clifford (KC) Spengler at Brewster Park on Cape Cod.

As newlyweds, Ellen and KC traveled the world.  She discovered she disliked the traveling part but loved the destinations.  She and KC continued to travel throughout their life together.  She was a prolific postcard writer, sending cards from all her destinations with informative, albeit sometimes inappropriate, commentary.

She lived in a variety of places: Laos, Hong Kong, Navajo Nation, Arizona, before moving to Exeter, NH in 1976.  Around that time, she and KC adopted their two children, Dan and Beth.

Ellen loved teaching. In Exeter she was able to incorporate her passion for literature and reading by working with students who had reading-based learning disabilities, particularly dyslexia.

Later in life, Ellen always looked forward to spending time with her grandchildren and instilled in them a love of reading, travel and lifelong learning.

She was generous and loving. She always spoke her mind and had amazing delegation skills.  Ellen was a woman of fierce intelligence, sharp wit, and impeccable style and taste.  She never could pass up a lobster roll (or french fries, or chocolate chip cookies).

She is remembered by her husband KC Spengler; children Dan Spengler and Beth Wade; brothers David Delaney of Plymouth, Ma, John "Jack" Delaney, of West Barnstable; grandchildren Riley & Mallory Spengler and Delaney & Sam Wade; as well as many family and friends.  Preceded in death by her brother, Robert Delaney.

In place of flowers, the family requests you head to your local bookstore or library and choose a book to read.

A memorial open house will be held on May 6th, 2023, from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Shepherds Cove Clubhouse, Kittery, Maine.