Edith "Ellen" Jenkins Menegio of Chatham passed away peacefully in the early morning of November 19, 2021,  dancing to the beat of her own drum, in the light of a lunar eclipse with her son Robert and daughter Kristin by her side.

Born January 23, 1940 in Pittsfield, Mass, she was the daughter of the late Robert Parke and Helen Solgate Jenkins.

Ellen was a free and adventurous spirit; she enjoyed traveling, yoga retreats, shamanic drumming and hosting parties. Her magnificent gardens, watercolors and pottery were a true expression of her artistic soul. As a voracious reader and lover of words; she read "hundreds of thousands" of books and often joked about being an armchair traveler.

Ellen always had a hunger for knowledge. She was named Chatham High School's Class of 1957 Valedictorian and awarded a nursing scholarship. Ellen was granted a degree of Bachelor of Arts Magna Cum Laude from SUNY Albany. Throughout her professional career Ellen worked as a laboratory phlebotomist and bacteriologist. Ellen retired after 23 years as a tax manager at NYS Tax Department.

Ellen was an independent thinker. From a young age she was passionate about philosophy and spirituality. As a spiritual seeker she spent most of her lifetime gathering "tools" in preparation for her afterlife and reincarnation. She read books including The Tibetan Book of the Living and Dead, The Doors of Perception and The Cosmic Game. In full awareness and with a path mapped out, her journey to the Cosmos is sure to be a splendid one.

Ellen is remembered by her son Robert and daughter Kristin; grandchildren, Meagan and Ryan (Amanda); and great-grandchildren, Riggs, Anya and Ryker; sister Roberta Eigenbrodt; several nieces and nephews; as well as many dear friends. She is predeceased by her loving husband of 47 years, Mario, son Mark and sisters, Ruth Bostwick and Peggy Kratt.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Sissy Kopec O'Neil (second daughter), Camphill Ghent, Collaborative Medical Arts, Louis F. Payn Foundation and Community Hospice for their care and compassion.

A celebration of life will be held in the Spring, Ellen's favorite season.

For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Louis F. Payn Foundation 12 Coleman Street, Chatham, NY. For on-line condolences, visit wenkfuneralhome.com