Ellen Jean Carns, age 88, passed away peacefully Sunday evening, May 4, at the Jack & Engrid Meng Hospice residence in De Pere.  She was born on June 10, 1936, in Oshkosh, WI to Alvin "Boots" and Anna B. (née Brennan) Armstrong.
Ellen graduated from St. Joseph's Academy in Green Bay in 1954 and went on to receive her undergraduate degree in education from Marquette in 1958. She later obtained a masters in reading education from Cardinal Stritch University. Ellen was fortunate enough to meet the love of her life and marry Dr. V. Charles Carns on November 25, 1978.

Ellen thoroughly enjoyed teaching and her career in elementary education in the Milwaukee and Green Bay public schools spanned four decades. Throughout her teaching career she never lost her sense of humor, nor did she ever find a child who could outsmart her. She often regaled her family with tales of naughty school children that had stolen her heart. Ellen had a lifelong love of traveling, reading and music, performing with the Fort Howard faculty chorus in her last several years of teaching.  A member of the Green Bay & De Pere antiquarian society, she felt it was important to preserve the rich and storied history of the area.

Ellen is survived by her nephew Michael (Christine) Armstrong and their children Claire, Abigail and Ella; niece Anne Marie (Casey) Campbell and their children Ben and Ellie; stepson Ed (Lyn) Carns and their children Cathy Harvath, Beth (John) Magnin, Terri (Peter) Augustine and Chris (Lisa); stepson Chuck (Kathy) Carns and their children Rob (Wendy), Ryan (Jody) and Matthew (Tina) and Sarah Carns; daughter in law Sandy Carns and her son Joshua; and blessed by many great grandchildren.  She is preceded in death by her parents Alvin and Anna B. Armstrong, brother James (Marie) Armstrong, beloved husband "Chuck" Carns and her stepson John Carns.

Ellen's wit, sense of humor and compassion touched everyone around her, and she will be sorely missed.

A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, May 13 at 10:30am at St. Agnes Parish, 1484 Ninth St., in Green Bay.  Visitation will be held at St. Agnes prior to mass beginning at 9:00am. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.