Ellen Alexandra Bonacarti

Ellen Alexandra Bonacarti, 67, of Millstone Township, NJ, passed away of cancer on November 24, 2024. She is survived by siblings Emily, Alexander III, Lisa, Alexandra and Christopher; nieces Lauren, Mariella and Charlotte and nephew, Adam.

Ellen was born on September 20, 1957, to Alexander Jr. and Patricia Bonacarti in Englewood, NJ. After graduating from the Dwight-Englewood School, she attended Bryn Mawr College and received a master’s degree in library science from Columbia University.

Ellen was a valued member of the Woodbridge Public Main Library in Woodbridge, NJ for nearly 33 years until her retirement in October, 2020. A government documents and reference librarian extraordinaire, Ellen was instrumental in developing many of the library’s early tech initiatives, including writing curriculum, teaching internet classes and developing fair-use policies. She served as the first head of the Digital Services Department. Promoted to Head of Reference, Ellen expanded reference services during the pandemic to include chat and other online resources. She also oversaw the introduction of a support program for small businesses. Ellen was a role model and mentor to many young professionals.

Active in the staff union throughout her career at the library, Ellen served as AFSCME Local 2923 President for five years from 2015-2020.

Ellen had a deep love of animals, especially dogs, and was devoted to her many Whippets and Scottish Deerhounds. She had numerous confirmation, lure coursing and racing champions over the years. Ellen’s Deerhound, Rory, won the American Kennel Club lure coursing championship in 1994, and her beloved Whippet, Winston, was the American Kennel Club “Fastest Dog USA” in 2023.

Ellen was an extraordinarily talented bird photographer. Her annual Christmas calendar showcasing her photos of the year was an eagerly anticipated gift among her friends and family.

Among Ellen’s passions was creative writing, including 20 years of stories shared with the international Lord of the Rings fandom. She particularly enjoyed writing about the small beings called hobbits, highlighting their resilience, humor, love of nature, compassion, and humility. Like the characters about whom she wrote, Ellen shared steadfast and unconditional friendships and found courage when it was needed most.

Ellen made this world a better place. May she rest in peace.

Donations in memory of Ellen can be made to Whippet Rescue and Placement (www.whippet-rescue.org.)

Services are entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation, 43 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan, NJ.