Ellyn S. Halldorson

Ellyn "Nell" was the oldest of seven children born on December 2, 1925 to Mike and Matilda (Kelso) Brown of rural Hensel, ND. She attended North Star grade school in rural Hensel, and graduated in 1942 from St. Alphonsus High School in Langdon, ND. Nell earned her teaching certificate from Valley City State Teachers College, and taught for seven years at various schools in Pembina County.
On April 15, 1950, she married Richard J. Halldorson. They loved getting together with family and friends, and held many family reunions throughout the years. Richard and Nell celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in 2010, shortly before his death on July 18, 2010.
Nell is survived by her children: Mary Ellen (Tom) McKnight, John (Alice) Halldorson, Michael Halldorson and friend Rev. Beth Peterson; grandchildren: Stephenie (Michael) Husband, Marcy (David) Darsey, Christopher (Holly) Halldorson, Michael (Kari) Halldorson, Brandon Hallquist; five great-grandchildren; brothers: Michael (Rose) Brown, Vincent (Betty) Brown, Jack (Diane) Brown, Tom (Pat) Brown; sisters: Mary Alice (Robert) Stuart, Antoinette (Jerry) Briske; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition, she considered Trevor and Karen Christianson, Steve and Penny Karel, Jerry and Brenda Sagert and their children as part of her extended family. The final year of her life was made enjoyable due to the kindness of Michelle Lorenzen and Leah Austfjord.
Nell was preceded in death by her parents and husband.
Ellyn "Nell" S. Halldorson, 87, of Cavalier, ND passed away Thursday, April 11, 2013, at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, April 16th, 2013 at 3:00pm at St. Brigid of Ireland Catholic Church in Cavalier, ND. Visitation will be held Monday, April 15, 2013 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Askew Funeral Home in Cavalier.
Celebrant: Rev. Father Robert Pecotte; Music: Larry Collins, organist; Holly Halldorson and Laura Johnson, vocalists; Christopher Halldorson, accompanist.
Accompanist: Christopher Halldorson; Casket Bearers: Allen Anderson, James Brown, Trevor Christianson, Tom Ford, Steve Karel, and Jerry Sagert; Internment: St. Helen's Cemetery, Cavalier, ND.