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Ellie Wertimer
Ellie Wertimer

A strong advocate for women on campus and a leader in the community, Ellie Wertimer extended friendship and hospitality to generations of students and alumni.

(Editor's note:  Hamilton President Joan Hinde Stewart announced Ellie Wertimer's death in an e-mail to the campus community.)

To:    The Hamilton Community

From:    Joan Hinde Stewart

I am writing with sad news. Ellie Wertimer, civic leader and widow of beloved and long-time Hamilton Professor of Economics Sidney Wertimer, died on Saturday, having entered hospice a couple of weeks ago. She would have been 92 on January 25.  She will be missed more than I can express.

Ellie was passionate about Hamilton College and was a strong advocate for women on College Hill. Her wit, wisdom and generous spirit personified the best our College offers. She was a pioneer in the local community and a friend to generations of Hamilton alumni. Her death leaves a great void on campus and in the Mohawk Valley. Ellie’s inimitable personality is reflected in her 1996 Class & Charter Day address and her poignant reflection on Sid was captured in the College’s Bicentennial video (see reference at 7:10).

As much as anyone in Clinton, Ellie brought the College and the local community together. She was an attorney for the Oneida County Department of Human Services, executive director of Family Services of Greater Utica and town justice. Her volunteer service included the Children’s Museum in Utica, the YWCA, the Red Cross, the United Way and the presidency of the Clinton School Board. She was recognized with many honors and awards, including the Smith College Medal from her alma mater.

Newman Chaplain John Croghan will officiate at a funeral Mass at St. Mary’s Church in Clinton on Saturday, January 25, at noon.  A lunch will follow on the Hamilton campus. Gifts in Ellie’s memory may be directed to the Heston Fund for New Horizons at the YWCA.

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