Ellen Marie Hancock

Ellen Marie Hancock, 79, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 19, 2022. A resident of Ridgefield, Connecticut, for the past 45 years, she is survived by Jason, her husband of 50 years, and her siblings Peter, Paul and Patricia Mooney. Ellen was born in the Bronx, New York, on April 15, 1943, a daughter of the late Peter and Helen (Houlihan) Mooney. She grew up in New Rochelle, New York where she graduated from The Ursaline School, The College of New Rochelle, and Fordham University with a MSc Degree in Mathematics.

Pursuing her interest in technology, Ellen began a successful business career with IBM in 1968. She steadily advanced from an entry-level position on to numerous management and executive roles. Ultimately, Ellen was appointed IBM Senior Vice-President with global responsibilities, the first female to achieve this position in IBM, based on major accomplishments throughout her career. Following her 27 years at IBM, Ellen moved on to senior leadership roles at National Semiconductor Corporation, Apple, Inc., and then to Chief Executive Officer of Exodus Communications.       

Ellen was deeply devoted to education as evidenced by her philanthropy and service as a Marist College Board of Trustees member for 34 years, including 7 years as Board Chair. She was also a Board member at Santa Clara University, as well as a corporate board member of Colgate-Palmolive, Electronic Data Systems, RAND Corporation and Aetna, Inc. Ellen actively participated in organizations that supported women in business. She was a member of St. Mary’s Church in Ridgefield.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated in Ellen’s honor on Monday, June 6, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Marist College Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel – 3399 North Road; Poughkeepsie, NY followed by a reception at the Hancock Center. There will be no wake, and interment will take place privately. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ellen M. Hancock Endowed Scholarship Fund at Marist College, 3399 North Rd, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. 

Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield is in care of arrangements.

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