Ellen Winifred (Colgan) Boyd, age 29, died on November 7, 2017—the result of a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer. Born in Hollywood, CA to Dennis Colgan and Deborah See-Colgan in May 1988, Ellen moved with her parents and younger brother to Enumclaw when she was 6 years old.

She was a 2006 graduate of Enumclaw High School, a 2008 graduate of Green River Community College, and died just short of completing her undergraduate degree in Urban Studies at the University of Washington. Ellen worked as a lifeguard at the Enumclaw Aquatic Center from the age of 15 to 20, advancing to lead guard. During high school, Ellen played water polo and was on the swim team, setting new time records with her relay team. In 2008, at age 20, she began working for the City of Buckley as facilitator of the newly opened Youth Activities Center, a position she held for 3 years until transferring into the position of Director of Recreation Services—work that ignited a passion for supporting both youth and senior citizens in her community.

She married the love of her life, Benjamin Boyd, in June 2009. Liam arrived to bless their lives in December 2013 and twins, Lucille and Elliott, were born in May 2015. Family, friends, a love for learning, and a desire to serve her community filled her heart and days with meaning. Although the amount of time given to Ellen was short, she used it well, touching the lives of many in a positive way.

In addition to her husband and young children, step-daughter, Emily, parents and brother, Grady—Ellen is survived by her parents-in-law, Bill and Ronda Boyd; grandparents, Bob and Marie Erikson; grandfather, Ronald Bariel; grandparents, Bill and Donna See of Nevada, IA; grandmother, Dolores See of Marshalltown, IA; and loving family members on both sides too numerous to mention.

A remembrance and celebration of Ellen’s life will take place at the Buckley Hall on Sunday, November 19, starting at 11:00 a.m.