Belvidere, IL

Ellen Meddings of Belvidere passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 10, 2017.  Ellen is survived by her son, Christopher Haagenson of Wonder Lake, her beloved husband of 25 years Ken Meddings, her mother, Mary Lou Barry, her sisters Kathleen (Ron) Hayhurst, Patricia Boris, Sheila (Michael) Malinowski, Mary (Keith) Nissen, Coleen (Steve) Sisk, Julie (Scott) Hodzic and her brothers John Walter (Lori) Barry, Timothy Barry, Kevin Barry, and Thomas (Rayford) Barry.

Ellen was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Jennifer Marie in 1978, her father, John W. Barry, her brother, Neal J. Barry, her granddaughter Amaya Joy Haagenson, her mother-in-law, Ina Meddings, and her nephew Thomas Dolan.

Ellen will be especially missed by her God-children, Gregory Malinowski, Veronica (Chris) Hatch, Jayme Kalaulua, and Margaret (Todd) Barrett.  Ellen leaves behind over 40 nieces and nephews who will miss her great smile, generosity, and her special holiday fudge.

Ellen touched the lives of many students studying Spanish at Belvidere High School.  She was most recently a regular substitute for Boone County Schools.  Ellen's career also includes teaching Spanish at Cocoa Beach High School in Florida, and Round Lake High School in Illinois.

She gave tirelessly of herself by donating her time to service with St. Vincent De Paul Society at St. James Parish.  She taught religious education classes several days a week; and was involved with the Belvidere Historical Society.  Ellen especially loved her little dog Sammy and her special garden where she spent many happy hours.

Ellen always gave her time and energy to helping the Hispanic community of Boone and McHenry Counties.  She was very influential on providing education and resources to local migrant workers.  Her spirit will live with them forever.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 15, 2017 at St. James Catholic Church, 402 Church St, Belvidere, IL 61008, with Rev. Brian Geary officiating.  A visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, July 14, 2017 at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, 218 W. Hurlbut Ave., Belvidere, IL 61008. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Vincent De Paul Society at St. James Parish. To light a candle or share a condolence, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.