Marion Ellis, 96, fed the foxes

Marian Ellis, who had lived in Ridgefield most of her 96 years, died at her home in Rowayton on Wednesday, Dec. 10. She was a former longtime resident of the Branchville section of Ridgefield where she was born and raised. Mrs. Ellis was the widow of E. Joseph Ellis.
Mrs. Ellis was a daughter of the late Pasquale and Catherina Mariani DeBenigno. While growing up, she assisted her parents in running the Branchville General Store.
Before her marriage in 1947, she was employed at the Bullard Company in Bridgeport.
Mrs. Ellis was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Georgetown for more than 75 years and had been involved in many activities of the parish. She was known as an avid vegetable gardener and animal lover and enjoyed feeding breakfast to the many foxes who inhabited her wooded property.
Surviving is her sister, Alice Bacchiochi of Rowayton; and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Ellis was predeceased by her three brothers, Emile, Dominick and John DeBenigno.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Saturday in Sacred Heart Church. Burial was in the family plot in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Contributions in memory of Mrs. Ellis may be made to Sacred Heart Church, P.O. Box 388, Georgetown, CT 06829.