Ellen (Dwyer) Paterson, 59, of Deep River, died unexpectedly Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009, at her home.  She was born in Hartford, daughter of the late John and Virginia (Lockwood) Dwyer.  She graduated from Mt. St Joseph Academy and the Katherine Gibbs School.

Ellen was working for the Town of Westbrook, and enjoyed her position as Assistant Town Clerk.  Previously she worked as a legal secretary for Edmund Delaney of Chester and Campbell Hudson III of Essex, as well as personal assistant to John D. Alsop of Old Lyme.

She was the proud and loving mother of daughter Alexandra.  She is survived by her husband of 38 years, Richard; her sister, Jane Takata and her husband Robert, of Pasadena Calif.; and her sister-in-law Peggy Dwyer of Clinton.  She was predeceased by her brother, John T. Dwyer.  She also leaves her nieces and nephews, Sara Ellen Takata, Justin Takata, Christopher Dwyer, Gregory Dwyer, Meaghan Dwyer and Timothy Dwyer.

Ellen was an avid reader who previously served on the Deep River Library Board and Friends of the Deep River Library.  She loved to solve puzzle books and could always find the funny side of any situation.  She was a founding member of the DR Women's Dinner and Breakfast Clubs.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association , 300 Research Pkwy., Meriden, CT 06450.

Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.