Ellen C. Abate, a dear friend of many Islanders as well as people from other parts of the country, lost a tough fight to Parkinson’s disease on Dec. 29, 2013.

You could find Ellen cooking at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, working in her gardens, preparing for a dinner party at her home or relaxing by the lagoon.

Ellen moved to Martha’s Vineyard with her good friend Kathy Kerwin in 1992. Due to physical reasons, a move to Florida became logical, however, Ellen always thought of Martha’s Vineyard as her home.

A private memorial celebration will be held on her birthday, June 21.