Dr. Carol O. Ellis

It is with profound sadness that we tell you that Dr. Carol O. Ellis, MD, 85, Elaine's mom, passed away peacefully on Saturday October 11, 2025 at her apartment in Grizzly Peak, Missoula. Carol was born on July 11, 1940 in Vermillion, South Dakota.

Carol is survived and missed by her family: Elaine (daughter) Tony (son-in-law), Tom (Son), Grandchildren: Dominique and TJ, great-grandchild: Jackson. Siblings: John (brother) and Mary (sister) John Paul (Joanie) Lisa McNeal, Silvia (daughter-in-law) and Paydn (Dominique's Husband) and many dear lifelong friends, especially Barbara Cmiel.

Carol was a trailblazer in her own right getting her education during a time where women were supposed to stay at home. Carol decided early on that her path would be in a different direction.  Her accomplishments as a woman Medical Doctor were many. She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Chemistry followed by being the only woman in her Medical School class at the Medical College of Virginia, known now as the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. In the 1960's, less than 7% of practicing physicians in the US were women. She completed her Internship and Residency in 1969 at Bon Secours Hospital in Grosse Point Michigan. She was triple Board Certified in Family Medicine, Preventive Medicine and Occupational Medicine. She was also Board Certified as an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner. She trained in Botanical and Nutritional Medicine, as well. She was a Clinical Instructor of Family Practice at New York Medical College, Medical Student Preceptor at Albany Medical College, and Attending Physician of Family Practice at Beth Israel Medical Center in New Jersey. In 1999 she was the President of the New York Occupational Medical Association.

Of notable mention, from 1969 to 1981 she was a staff physician at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. She took care of Astronauts and their families and space center staff. She was also a Staff Physician for Pam Am Airways. From 1981 to 1996, she was the Medical Director for ATT. Her last position was as Medical Director for Natural Medicine and Rehab Center in Bridgewater New York. She did a tour of duty with Doctors Without Border in India where she always commented that she saw diseases she only studied in books in medical school. She certified as an open water scuba diver back in 1973, not a sport with many women in it at that time. She traveled the world from South Korea to Japan to India, the Caribbean to Fiji, Europe to the Galapagos islands. She was an inductee of the Phi Beta Kappa (America's most prestigious academic honor society), Alpha Omega Alpha (National Medical Honor Society), and a member of the women fraternity Alpha Xi Delta. Her spirit animal was the dragonfly.

Carol was not a particularly religious person in a traditional sense, but deeply believed in the spiritual connection between nature and the universe. The idea that humans are interconnected with all existence, and that experiencing nature can lead to a deeper understanding of one's place in the cosmos. She saw nature as a divine creation or a source of wisdom.

Above all, she absolutely loved her children, grandkids, and great grandchild. Working in the garden and petting her cat was very special and peaceful for her.

A celebration of life is anticipated. Time and location is to be determined. Please, no flowers, but if you would like to donate, the National Audubon Society was Carol's most adored organization. Thank you to everyone for your thoughts and prayers. May thanks to Hestia Stillwater Hospice who guided the way on the last journey.

Researched and Authored with respect by Tony Higuera, Lt Col USAF (Ret) Son-in-law