Ellery Saige Linen

March  12th, 2005 December  9th, 2024
Brunswick. Maine 
Ellery Saige Linen

Obituary

Ellery Saige Linen died tragically and unexpectedly on December 9th, 2024, at just 19 years old. During her short time with us, Ellery’s bright and beautiful spirit brought light to everyone she met. Ellery (aka Schnuggles, Buggies, Buggles, Audery, Celery, Ellerybellery, Tuggie, Smellery), was born two and a half weeks early at home in Summit, New Jersey, on March 12th, 2005. She was feisty, sensitive, and full of personality and big emotions from the start.

At thirteen months of age, Ellery and her family moved to the greater Portland, Maine area, and expanded over the years to include a kaleidoscope of loving step-parents, siblings, cousins, and friends. Ellery grew up at Waynflete School, attending from first through twelfth grade, where she cemented her lifelong passion for all creative outlets– singing, music, and especially dance. After graduating in 2023, Ellery journeyed to the University of Vermont, where she found a group of wonderful and loving friends by whom she was wholly adored. She recently decided to major in Dance.

Ellery was magic and sunshine, excellent at finding things that she loved and embracing them wholeheartedly. She relished performing, spreading joy, sharing silly instagram reels, and spontaneous photoshoots. Once you heard Ellery laugh you couldn’t forget it; she would erupt with a shriek that made you want more. She wore her personality in her layered clothing style with bright colors and silver jewelry, often topped off with one of her many signature bandanas adorning her incredible hair. She was not afraid to make a statement.

Stubborn, confident and headstrong, Ellery was firm in her convictions and spoke up for what she believed in. She remembered all of the little things and appreciated funny quirks. Her endless handwritten to-do and bucket lists demonstrated her commitment to future dreams and goals. Music filled her days; she especially adored Harry Styles and John Mayer, ‘scream singing’ in the car, and always wanted to be on aux (ask a kid what that means). She devoured books as quickly as she devoured life and would watch scary movies with anyone, but she always screamed before getting to the scary part which turned the fright into joy. She cherished reorganizing and redecorating her bedroom, elephants, rings on every finger, dragonflies and Jellycats.

Ellery thrived in or near water and savored time spent in Vermont and the Adirondacks with her cousins, Winslow Park Beach, Pineland Farms, and Acadia National Park. She would never turn down an adventure, near or far, with family and friends, and she tried to capture every special moment to remember later. She devoured snacks and always shared them with her favorite people. She was known for hiding them in her room like a squirrel. At the top of her list were Kettle salt and vinegar chips, Crumbl cookies, Kit Kats, Clif Bars, and chocolate covered strawberries.

Fiercely loyal, Ellery was adored by so many. She leaves behind a vast and devoted family, including her mother and stepfather, Erica and Seth Blanchard, her father, Cameron Linen, stepmother Metta Morton; her siblings Kaya, Cody, Noa and Everest Linen, Luca Blanchard, and Ella and Mika Altidor; her cousins Schuyler, Haven, Zoe, Rosalie, Thayer, Blythe, Maple and Pepper; her aunts and uncles Blair and Jeff Demers, Ellie and Dave Low, and Yvette, Kenny, Frank, and Adam Johnson; and her loving grandparents Lee (Mumsy) and Jon (Pops) Linen, and Esther (Nana) Johnson. She was predeceased by Kenny (PopPop) and Eileen (Memaw) Johnson. Ellery also considered her close friends to be a part of her true family.

In a letter she wrote recently to herself, Ellery shared how much she loved that she could “dream cool dreams.” Ellery, we will all dance for you and continue “dreaming cool dreams,” to carry on your light.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 4th, 2025, at Brick South, 8 Thompson’s Point, Portland, Maine at 2pm. All who were touched by Ellery’s spirit are welcome and encouraged to join. Please wear bright colors and bandanas and come prepared to dance.

In lieu of flowers, Ellery’s family invites you to consider a contribution to Waynflete School’s dance program, which is an integral part of the Performing Arts curriculum at the school. You can learn more about this effort, and give online here, at https://giving.veracross.com/waynflete/give-dance

Gallery


Memory wall

Post your condolences or share your Memories.


February 3, 2025
I only knew Ellery for a short while, but I am very glad I did. One day she was playing a song in her room, and I asked what the song was. It was “Morning Sun” by Melody Gardot. I had never heard it before, but I have listened to this song almost everyday since. She always pops up in my mind when I hear it. So I would like to thank Ellery for blessing me with her beautiful music taste❤️
Golda Morse
January 31, 2025
I met Ellery through dance courses at UVM. She was one of the first friends I made when we were both freshmen. I remember immediately feeling so comfortable around her warm presence. I’m truly grateful to have danced with her (especially in Brazilian Dance class!!!). She was such a beautiful person inside and out❤️❤️ I’m sending love and prayers
Alison Dalton
January 5, 2025
Beautiful on the inside and outside
Tracy Michaud
January 5, 2025
Ellery was such a special friend to our daughter Iris. We will miss her, but her lovely spirit is still felt, especially watching the littles dance at Waynflete. I am sure her grace and flow will surround those dancers in an eternal hug. We wish you all peace and comfort during this time of transition.
Tracy Michaud
January 5, 2025
I remember we were hiking in Vermont when she brought some friends to Dorset in July of 2023. The trail was pretty steep and long so we had to stop a few times because of her asthma which we didn’t mind because it was nice to take a break. She always continued on stronger after and never gave up. She said getting to the top was so worth it. We played music and sang loudly to motivate ourselves along the way. I loved how we shared a passion for the outdoors and was inspired by her resilience.
Iris Stutzman
January 5, 2025
Here are a few of the books Ellery recommended for me to read:
-the rest of the story

- wild blue wonder

- conversations with friends
Iris Stutzman
January 5, 2025
I met Ellery in line for orientation at UVM and I remember both of us being so anxious for this new adventure. That night, we played a game called “We’re Not Really Strangers” and grew so close in such a short amount of time - this is a night I think about a lot. During the first few months of our friendship, I realized how much compassion and love she carried for everything and everyone around her. She reminded me so much of my sister and provided so much comfort in my hardest moments at school. Ellery was always one to check on you when you were going through something, despite her own struggles. We went on a trip to Acadia National Park with some friends and that is an adventure that I’ll never forget. Dancing under the stars on the beach is the most special memory that I hold so close to my heart. Ellery will forever be a bright, shining part of me. I love you, Ellery. ❤️🌟
Colton Brenneman
January 4, 2025
Sweet Ellery brought so very much joy and light into our lives. There are few words I can share that extend beyond those already posted here. I have only very fond memories of Ellery, and I will carry her sweetness and light with me forever.
Kalman Slater
January 3, 2025
I met Ellery for the first time on the original wooden Waynflete playground. It was my first day at Waynflete as a second grader. We went outside for recess and I was playing alone near the monkey bars when she came over and sat across from me, her glowing smile reflecting onto me. I was so thankful someone had come over to talk to me because I didn’t know anyone. She asked if we could be friends and I immediately said yes. She made me feel so welcomed and comfortable in this new space. She was my first friend at Waynflete, and I’m so lucky to have met her and have had her by my side for all these years because she truly changed my life. This story represents how much she cared to include and support others when they needed it. A part of her I respect the most is how she wouldn’t let people say anything bad about anyone because “we don’t know what they are going through”. This is only one of many things that made her such a great person and friend.
Iris Stutzman
January 2, 2025
I knew Ellery for a year when I was her reading buddy. We were kids at Waynflete—I was in 4-5 and she was in K-1. She exists in my mind as a fierce little girl and I send love and light to all who love her.
Sophi Aronson
December 31, 2024

I am beyond blessed to love El. Ellery was the bestest friend you could possibly dream up in your head. Every time we greeted she swallowed me into the warmest hug. She was pure kindness, smiles, sunny Maine days by the ocean, fresh picked strawberries and the tan you get your first day of summer. We giggled, swam in Sewall pond, picnicked, ate pizza and ice cream, played board games on rainy days and celebrated birthdays together. There’s not one memory I share with Ellery that I don’t smile hard thinking about. She spread nothing but silly jokes, kindness, and hugs with everyone who crossed her path. I’ll never forget opening the shrek shirt she gave me on my 17th birthday and how hard we laughed in the tent when I put it on over my jacket. Fiona and I will always feel like something is missing without El adventuring with us. I hope to live my life everyday the way Ellery lived hers. I will spend the rest of my life remembering Ellery and feeling her warmth in the sunshine. Till we meet again ❤️
Celia Boyd
December 27, 2024
Ellery’s presence was like the warmth of the sun, she never failed to make people smile. I had the pleasure to accompany Ellery on many adventures, whether it was trying a new restaurant or finding a new spot to take pictures. I feel extremely lucky to have known her. She always put others before herself, and was such a bright light in the lives of many. Words truly cannot describe just how special Ellery was. Her memory is a blessing. ❤️
Mia Brunaccini
December 27, 2024
ellery was truly a light in this world. she never failed to make people smile or laugh when they needed it the most. she cared so deeply about every person she interacted with and became record fast friends with many of us.

some of my favorite memories with ellery include her obsessing over the amish people in lancaster, us bonding over our shared ex-theater kid past, and teasing her for her peanut allergy. even though she is gone, i can’t help but feel grateful for getting to experience her beautiful soul. may she rest in peace knowing how loved she is.
corinne atwell
December 27, 2024
I knew Ellery for a very short time, but I could see how lovely that girl was from the first day I met her. Personally, I wasn’t as close with Ellery as some people were, but I still miss her. Always from the beginning, Ellery was so sweet to me. Ellery you are loved❤️
jenny masone
December 27, 2024
This is the Senior Minute I wrote for Ellery and read at the Senior Dinner before her graduation from Waynflete. Friends and teachers contribute their thoughts and the advisor writes the minute. Ellery was so incredibly special and brought her sweet generous heart into our homeroom every morning.
She had a huge impact on the Waynflete community. If you knew Ellery, you were so incredibly fortunate ❤️

Waynflete Senior Citation 2023

Ellery Linen

“Impact” means “to have a strong effect on someone or something.” Ellery Linen’s deep impact comes from her unwavering loyalty and her ability to always be present for those she loves. She is described as a trusted friend always ready to give a much needed hug, listen intensely, and keep secrets close to her heart. Even in challenging times, Ellery remains remarkably even-keeled, emanating a sense of calm that offers comfort to everyone around her. Ellery’s impact in the classroom led one teacher to write, “with kindness, patience, and leadership, Ellery inspires her classmates to take risks and embrace their own unique talents and abilities.” Friends say, “her wide smile brightens the room and lifts the spirits of her classmates.” Others appreciate her impact on the stage as a confident and radiant performer and dancer. And her enthusiastic support at all performing arts events does not go unnoticed. Ellery has mastered the power of friendship, kindness, and compassion. This is why she is a constant reminder of what an incredible impact one individual can have on the lives of others.
Cathie Connors

Service


A Celebration of Life will be held on January 4th, 2025, at Brick South, 8 Thompson’s Point, Portland, Maine at 2pm. All who were touched by Ellery’s spirit are welcome and encouraged to join. Please wear bright colors and bandanas and come prepared to dance.
Location
8 Thompson's Point
Portland, Maine 
Date/time
January 4th, 2025 at 2pm

Donate

Ellery’s family invites you to consider a contribution to Waynflete School’s dance program, which is an integral part of the Performing Arts curriculum at the school. You can learn more about this effort, and give online here, at https://giving.veracross.com/waynflete/give-dance
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