Ellen Serena Martin Danaher, 88, passed away peacefully in Kensington, Md., Friday, March 6, 2026, with family present. She will be remembered fondly for her generosity, humor, and a fiercely independent spirit.

Born and raised in Denison, Texas, Ellen earned her B.A. and M.A. from University of Texas and a Ph.D. in audiology from the University of Pittsburgh. Following years of research and lecturing, she served as an associate professor of Auditory Research at Gallaudet University, bringing both rigor and compassion to her work.

In 1972, Ellen married James W. Danaher, a Navy pilot and Human Factors Aviation Safety Chief with the NTSB, building a home and family with him in Alexandria, Va. She left her research at Gallaudet to devote herself fully to her children, embracing motherhood with imagination, boundless energy, and unwavering support and love. She filled their lives with art, music, sports and a riotous sense of fun.

The family enjoyed many summers at their cottage in Dewey Beach, which led to devoted civic involvement in the town, including serving as an election judge for many years and as a commissioner.

Ellen also volunteered as an Emergency Rescue Vehicle driver with American Red Cross Disaster Relief – drawn not away from difficulty, but toward it, with a steady sense of purpose. She had a deep love for opera and classical music as well as for animals, adopting several dogs in her life who were her constant companions and co-conspirators.

She is survived by her son, Patrick Danaher; daughter, Kathryn Danaher; grandsons, Wyatt and George Danaher; and her brother, William Martin. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jim Danaher; sister Kay Purdy; and her parents, Angie and Albert Martin.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to a local animal rescue or the Alzheimer's Association.