APPLETON — Ellen Tipper passed away on July 2, 2026, after a courageous nine-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She died peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on September 29, 1965, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Betsy and Jerry Tipper, Ellen moved the following year with her family to Waterville, Maine. After attending local schools, she graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from the University of New Hampshire, studied at the London School of Economics, and earned a master’s degree from the Tufts/Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Ellen was always happy in the air and traveled extensively across West Africa and Asia, settling for periods in Burkina Faso and Côte d’Ivoire before moving to Appleton, Maine, to raise her own family. She dedicated her career to global public health, serving as Vice President of Strategic Planning at Population Services International in Washington, D.C., while building teams to improve access to quality, affordable healthcare in underserved communities. Across dozens of countries, Ellen developed a close-knit group of international friends, relationships she cherished and maintained throughout her entire life.

A gifted musician, Ellen was an accomplished classical pianist in her youth. She later became a highly regarded singer-songwriter whose music brought joy to audiences large and small across Maine and beyond. For Ellen, a highlight of her musical career was being selected to perform her song “The Juggler” at the Kerrville Music Festival in Texas; for the people her music touched, her impact was, and still is, as simple and beautiful as listening to her sweet voice on her 2007 album, Flanagan's Field.

Ellen is remembered for her kindness, authenticity, and remarkable ability to make others feel truly seen and valued. Radiant, purposeful, and strong, she balanced a demanding career with a deep devotion to her family, always making time for those she loved. Even when facing her final challenge, Ellen insisted upon modeling the importance of making the most of every day and sharing -- and expressing -- love with those around her.

She is survived by her husband, Alex Owre, their daughter, Natalie, and son, Benjamin, all of Appleton, Maine; her parents, Betsy and Jerry Tipper of Falmouth, Maine; her sister, Kim Clarke and brother-in-law, Bob Clarke, of Santa Cruz, California.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates all donations made to Maine Hospice.