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Obituaries » Dr. Ellen H. Brinkley

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Dr. Ellen H. Brinkley

September 11, 1944 - November 11, 2020

In accordance with her wish cremation will take place and she will be laid to rest during a private ceremony at First United Methodist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church, c/o the funeral home.

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Ellen was a generous, gracious, wise colleague in the English Department, and she had a delightful sense of humor. Her obituary speaks to her scholarship and leadership in the teaching of writing, but I will treasure memories of the Thursday lunch group who met on Sprau 10. It was a lively bunch who truly enjoyed and supported each other, a valued sounding board. Ellen's soft West Virginia accent was musical. Greg and I send our deepest condolences to Max, Matthew and Sarah, and family. May you memories come blessings.

Posted by Beth Amidon on November 22, 2020

Dr. Brinkley was an inspiring and memorable teacher. I was fortunate to be in her class when I returned to WMU as a non-traditional student. She took the mystery out of writing. My sympathy to her loved ones.

Posted by Dale P Harrison on November 19, 2020

Ellen was a dear friend and my closest colleague at Western Michigan University for twenty five years. Her obituary captures her remarkable achievements, but I am not sure there are words for her generous, caring, and supportive personality. She had a subtle and lovely sense of humor. I miss her and I return affection she always showed me back to Max and her whole family.

Posted by Allen Webb on November 18, 2020

Ellen was a Teacher's Teacher and loved working with both young and returning educators. She had a great sense of humor and a love of craft. She was inventive and willing to try new things and encouraged her students to be the best the could be. Her passing has awakened memories of how she touched my life and why I still write every week. She lived her work because it was a passion to help others express themselves through words and thoughts.

Posted by Karin Larsen on November 18, 2020

I loved reading Ellen's obituary because it made clear the amazing pioneer she was. I had no idea she was fundamental in starting the Third Coast Writing project; many of my teaching friends benefitted so much from that program. WMU was indeed fortunate to have her as a prof and a leader.

Posted by Carol Hodges on November 17, 2020

Aunt Ellen you will be truly missed. I will miss our chats about teaching and education. Give my dad a hug for me. We love you and miss you.

Posted by Kelly Jo Latkovski on November 16, 2020

Ellen had a gentle, positive, faithful and supportive soul who will be greatly missed! Praying for strength and care for the Brinkley Family.

Posted by Rev Keith and Colleen Treman on November 16, 2020