SOUTH GLENS FALLS --- Louise "Ellen" Kmetz, age 71, of Skylark Drive, peacefully passed away surrounded by her loved ones on December 10, 2018 after a long illness.

Born May 4, 1947, in Nyack, NY during the lovely springtime, she was the daughter of the late Stephen Joseph and Mary Ella (Skaretka) Kmetz.

Ellen earned her master's degree in library science from State University of New York at Albany and used her extensive knowledge to become the head librarian at Hadley-Luzerne Central School District.

Ellen was also a member of the Sierra Club and the National Organization for Women (NOW).

Ellen was a staunch believer in life long learning and women's rights, and a generous donor to a wide variety of charities and social causes. In her spare time, she was a prolific book reader as well as a talented pastel artist. She was also a longtime volunteer at the desk of the Saratoga Arts Center.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her two uncles, Ben Kmetz, and William Skaretka; and her cousin, Richard Skaretka.

Those left to cherish her memory include her two sisters, Stephanie G. Kmetz of Unionville, NY, and Carol R. Melnik of Parrish, FL.; her brother, Stephen Jeffrey Kmetz of San Francisco, CA and his devoted partner, Yvonne Brown; her aunt, Dorothy Skaretka of Sunnyside, Queens, NY; and her cousins, Bob Skaretka and his wife Lois along with several other cousins and their children.

At the request of Ellen and her family, there will be no calling hours or services.

The family wishes to extend a sincere thank you to Brenda Dickinson, her caregiver and friend, as well as her kind nurse, Nicole, and the staff at Glens Falls Hospital for their love and compassion for Ellen in her time of need and her peaceful passing.

In loving memory of Ellen, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent directly to Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or through www.bakerfuneralhome.com.