In Memoriam: Ellen Tuomanen

From Legacy.com

Ellen Elisabeth Tuomanen
1919-2007

Ellen Elisabeth Tuomanen, 88, of the Inn at Sprucewood, Durham, NH died at home on November 19, 2007 of cancer.

She was born in Drammen, Norway, on September 30, 1919, to William and Ingrid Gulbrandsen. She grew up in the mountains of Telemark where she was an avid ski jumper and became one of Norway's most accomplished opera singers. During World War II she was in the Norwegian Underground and participated in Operation Gunnerside to destroy the heavy water plant at Rjukan and prevent the completion of the Nazi atomic bomb. During reconstruction, she met and married Army Col. Reino Tuomanen who was the last American soldier to leave Norway. Upon coming to the United States as a war bride, she settled in Acton, Massachusetts and continued training as a soprano at the Longy School of Music in Boston. Her favorite role was as Leonora in Verdi's La Forza del Destino. She was a prominent soloist, voice teacher and choir director in the Boston area. Upon retiring she raised two grandchildren, first in New York City and then Memphis, TN.

Ellen is remembered as a very warm and elegant lady with Viking spirit and European charm. She loved snow, mountains, and pink carnations. Her husband Reino and sister Gerd predeceased her. She is survived by her two children: Elaine, a research physician in Memphis, TN, and Robert, a chemist/industrial hygienist in Kensington, NH and his wife, Marilee, a computer specialist. She is also survived by her two dearest friends, Betty Wald of Memphis and Thelma Freeman of Durham. Her four grandchildren proudly carry on her artistic talents: Mary Kay of Paris, France, Mark of Newmarket, NH, Laura Kirsi of Baltimore, MD, and Stefan of Memphis, TN. Their nickname of 'B' for Bestemor (Norwegian for grandmother) became the name everyone knew Ellen by.

Her many friends spread across the world may sign the online guest book at the Tasker Funeral Home (www.taskerfh.com). A private memorial service will be held for her family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN (www.stjude.org).