June 7, 2016

Ellen I. Swayze, 83, of Watertown passed away at Samaritan Summit Village on Monday, June 6, 2016.

A celebration of her life will take place in the summer and burial will be at the convenience of the family in Glenwood Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., Watertown.

Ellen was born in Watertown on March 17, 1933, daughter of Dewitt C. and Rosalie M. Clark Lake. She attended schools in Watertown. She had waitressed for many years at Eleanor's Diner on State St. and then had worked at Cheeseborough Ponds, which became Pfizer. She was a former member of St. Patrick's Church and American Legion Post 61 Auxiliary. Ellen was an avid bingo player.

She is survived by her daughter, Michele M. and Edward C. Lanning and son, Scott E. Swayze and his companion, Ann, all of Watertown; two grandchildren, Santina and Edward C. Lanning II; one great granddaughter, Joslyn Lanning; sister and her husband, Anne L. and Richard F. Bennett, FL; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her two brothers, William J. and Thomas J. Lake, and her sister, Joan Yetton.

Donations in Ellen's name may be made to either American Legion Post 61 Auxiliary, 138 Sterling St. or Eagles Auxiliary 782, 19260 US Rt. 11, both in Watertown, NY 13601. Online condolences to her family may be made at www.cummingsfuneral.com.