Elizabeth 'Ellen' J. Borges

Elizabeth (Ellen) J. Borges (Wennekes), age 79 of Iron Ridge, peacefully passed away in her home on October 8, 2021 with her family by her side.A Mass of Christian Burial for Ellen will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mayville on Thur., Oct. 14th at 11:00 am with Father Tom Biersack presiding. Visitation will be held on Wed., Oct. 13th, 4:00-7:00pm at Koepsell’s Funeral Home, 301 N. Walnut Street, Mayville WI and Thur., Oct. 14th 10:00-11:00am at St. Mary’s. Interment will take place at St. Mary Cemetery in Mayville. Ellen was born on April 16, 1942 in the city of Utrecht, The Netherlands. She was the youngest of 9 children. In her youth she developed many talents including speaking several languages (Dutch, German, English, and some French), sketching and drawing, as well as knitting, sewing, and crocheting. Her home was a musical one, and she loved to sing and dance. This loving family formed the foundation that gave her the tools to become the kind, passionate and respectful woman that we all know today. On a Sunday morning in 1957 while walking home from church, Ellen met the love of her life in the city of Zeist, The Netherlands. “Tommy” was stationed in Zeist with the US Air Force.During their courtship, Tom’s 1st Lieutenant asked if he knew of anyone who could after his child. Consequently, Ellen became their nanny. After dating for a year, Tom and Ellen married in 1958. They had 2 children in Holland. On Thanksgiving day in 1960, they landed in the USA and resided in Tom’s home state of Pennsylvania. After a month, Tom relocated to Wisconsin, per recommendation from his brother to explore job opportunities. They settled in Milwaukee for 5 years, then Menomonee Falls for 3 where Ellen raised 3 additional children. While working for Golden Guernsey as a milk truck driver, Tom came upon an opportunity to purchase a home in the country with a little grocery store attached, in a serene and beautiful area called Holy Hill. Ellen operated the store, maintained their home, sewed outfits for herself and her children, and they welcomed 2 more children to the family (7 total). Ellen was incredibly active in her Christian faith. She loved teaching CCD classes, was a Christian Mother, a member of the choir and was involved in other church activities including the “Fall Festivals” for St. Hubert’s/St. Gabriel’s in Hubertus. Ellen was at every sporting event to support her children. She was a 4H teacher for knitting, crocheting & sewing. She joined Jazzercise and loved to make everyone laugh during her aerobics! She was a Girlscout and Cubscout Leader and did the TV Guide’s crossword puzzle faithfully every week! Ellen loved to dress up and have her shoes, purse and jewelry match what she was wearing. She also enjoyed dining out, her morning tea, and shopping. After residing 42 years in Holy Hill, they moved to Iron Ridge to be closer to their 2 businesses, one of which Ellen enjoyed working. If you visited Main Street Liquor, you would most likely see her knitting or crocheting baby outfits and blankets among other items for her grandchildren and friends. They joined St. Mary’s Catholic Church and began a new chapter in their lives. She became an avid supporter and fan of the Packers; It was a day to celebrate with family, good friends, good food, and possibly winning a Packer pool! Ellen continued her exercise regimen by joining Silver Sneakers at the Tag Center. She loved meeting new people and socializing. She had a sincerity about her that drew people towards her.There wasn’t a family event that she missed. Family was her priority. She was a gift from heaven and touched many hearts. The impression she left will remain to grow in generations to come as her story continues through family and friends. Ellen is survived by her Husband,Thomas Borges Sr,her 7 Children: Cathaleen Ali (Evans) of Sheboygan , Mary-Ann Hennes (David) of Iron Ridge, Thomas Jr. (Pamela) Borges of Port Washington, Michele (Darin) Okrent of Kewaskum, Michael (Brenda) Borges of Hartford, Melissa (Ken Jr.) Kaiser of Erin, Mathew (Ann) Borges of East Troy, her 19 Grandchildren:Rachel (Brad) Flouro, Andrew Hennes, Steven Hennes, Timmy (Rebekah) Borges , Vanessa (Kevin) Beere, Nadia (Ali) Ali, Salwa Ali, Atallah Ali, Alia (Sasa) Ali, Thomas Borges III, Savannah Borges, Christian (Morgan) Borges, Sarah Okrent, Luke Okrent, Echo (Adam) Ashley, Baylee (Cody) Panek, Kenny Kaiser III, Paige Kaiser, Angelina Borges, and her 13 Great Grandchildren:Anton Hennes & Reid Grupe, Jackson, Braelyn, Dylan & Devin Flouro, Frank Beere, Threa & Jennah Aldarorah, Teo & Natasa Simic, Lenora Ashely and soon to be baby brother Ashley. She was preceded in death by her Oma and Opa, her parents, her siblings and extended family. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Aurora Hospice Care and Koepsell’s Funeral Home Mayville, for the care and support shown to Elizabeth and her family.