Anke M. Ellis, 83, of Saucon Valley Manor, Hellertown, died Monday, July 14, 2008 at Moravian Village, Bethlehem on her 40th Wedding Anniversary. She is the wife of George Mark Ellis, PhD., former Associate Dean at Lehigh University.

Born June 16, 1925 in Hamburg, Germany and raised in Husum,Germany, she is the daughter of the late Jakob Peter Berendsen and Bertha (Sievert) Berendsen. She earned an Agricultural Science Diploma at the Kiel University, Germany and a Master of Arts in German at Lehigh University; taught German for 1 year at Lehigh University and taught from 1976-1990 at DeSales' University, Center Valley. She was past president and member of the Lehigh University Woman's Club, past president and member of CISH, (a former organization for International Students of the Lehigh Valley).

She and her husband served as a host family for many years. Active in conservation efforts, she was co-chair of Cook's Creek Water Shed Association, Springfield Twp., Bucks County; participated in the Christmas Bird Count for several years and was a charter member of the PA Shakespeare Guild at DeSales' University and volunteer for many seasons. Anke sang for over a decade in the Lehigh Choral Union.

Survivors: In addition to husband; daughter: Ursula M. Hoffmann, MD of Center Valley; brothers: Peter Berendsen of Bremerhaven, Germany; Berend F. Berendsen and his wife Ingeborg of Luebeck, Germany; numerous other relatives. Predeceased by: 2 brothers in Germany, Son Hans-Joachim Hoffmann (1966), Daughter Ellen C. Hoffmann (1975).

Services: Memorial service will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday August 16th, 2008 at the Old Chapel of Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem followed by a reception. The Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Hellertown is in charge of arrangements.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, memorials to a charity of one's choice.

Click here for directions to the Old Chapel of Central Moravian Church.