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Ellen Faurot

January 30, 2023
Kalamazoo, MI

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Faurot, Ellen 7/20/1949 - 1/30/2023 Kalamazoo Ellen Elizabeth Faurot, 73, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, passed away on January 30, 2023 after a heroic journey with pancreatic cancer. Ellen was born on July 20, 1949 to Mary Margaret (Mig) Dugan Galloup and Robert Andrew Galloup in Battle Creek, Michigan. After graduating from St. Joseph's Academy, Ellen went on to study Political Science and both Elementary and Secondary Education at Western Michigan University. Her studies set in motion a twenty-four year career as a fifth grade teacher at Northeastern Elementary School in Kalamazoo Public Schools. As a dedicated educator, Ellen served as a mentor coach for new teachers from WMU. Her impact on the lives of young people did not go unnoticed. She was recognized in the 2003-04 edition of Who's Who of American Teachers. Throughout her life, Ellen held the work of teachers with the highest esteem and took great pride in passing down a love for education to her three daughters. Ellen met her spouse of fifty years, Dennis, at college in 1972. Together they had three children and created many happy memories with each other. They shared a love for family vacations in Grand Haven, Michigan, traveling to national parks and being active in the lives of their four grandchildren. Ellen created meaningful and unique bonds with each grandchild by sharing hobbies, taking special trips and lovingly supporting them in their endeavors. Whether with family, friends or new acquaintances, Ellen showed a genuine curiosity in other people's lives and had a knack for asking just the right questions to get people talking and laughing. This interest in others and her community lent itself to a life of volunteer work at various organizations in Kalamazoo such as: American Red Cross, First Day Shoe Fund, Peace House, Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program, Girls Scouts of America and the Democratic Party. In Ellen's retirement, she pursued both new and lifelong interests. Of note, she developed a passion for horseback riding. She delighted in her lessons at Eastfork Farms as well as volunteering at the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center. Ellen had an unquenchable thirst for reading and learning through books from a young age. She was always brimming with recommendations of all genres and was an avid member of two books clubs. Other hobbies included bike riding, going on hikes, taking kettlebell classes at the YMCA and playing bridge. Ellen took great joy in her many lifelong friendships with people she met in college, at work and in her community. Ellen was also a longtime member of both St. Thomas More and St. Philip's parishes. In addition, she remained connected to educators during retirement as an active member of Kalamazoo Area Retired School Personnel. Ellen is survived by her husband, Dennis Faurot; three children, Michelle (Jason) Koerth, Megan (Nick) Faurot Campanile, and Holly Faurot; four grandchildren, Caitlin Koerth, Nora Koerth, Justin Koerth and Katie Campanile; sisters, Lucy Galloup and Michelle Ferree Galloup; beloved cat, Sunny. She is predeceased by her parents, Mary Margaret Dugan Galloup and Robert Andrew Galloup; sisters, Kathleen Galloup and Mary Galloup. An opportunity to extend your sympathies to her loved ones will be held on May 20th at St. Thomas More Parish in Kalamazoo. The service will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, Ellen requested that donations be made to the Cheff Therapeutic Riding Center. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Personal messages for Ellen's family may be placed in the Memory Book at www.farleyestesdowdle.com. Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care