Ellen Ann (Brown) Diehl

Ellen Ann (Brown) Diehl, 77 of Bedford, transitioned from her earthly life on December 4, 2023.  She was born on November 22, 1946 in Altoona, a daughter of the late R. Ted and Nancy (Kreider) Brown. She is survived by her loving husband of 55 years, Terry M. Diehl and their daughters, Megan Diehl (Shawn Palmer) and Collyn Pala (David); three granddaughters: Eliot Diehl Palmer, Juliette Pala, and Natalie Pala; and her sister Susan Brown Baer (Bill) and brother Ron Brown (Helen).

Ellen attended Bedford High School where she was an active member of the chorus and musicals. She continued her education at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she fell in love with folk music. After college, she married her high school sweetheart, Terry. She taught first grade at East Silver Spring Elementary (MD) and then Harrison Manns Choice Elementary (PA). After teaching full time, Ellen also loved substitute teaching for the gifted and special education classrooms. As an avid Broadway aficionado, she coached dramatics for over 40 Bedford High School musicals. She was a lifelong member and active parish member at St. James Episcopal Church. Ellen also participated in a Johns Hopkins University Study for Parkinson’s Disease since 1992 in hopes that there will someday be a cure.

Ellen led a full life as an artist, musician, wife, mother, daughter, sister and a friend; often embracing her community of friends like a close-knit family. Most will remember Ellen as a teacher. Her ability to teach with joy, compassion, inclusivity, and understanding shines through in memories shared by so many.  

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. at the St. James Episcopal Church in Bedford.  A celebration of life will be held following the memorial service at 1:00 p.m. on  Sunday, June 2, 2024 for friends and family at the Bedford Elks Country Club in the Arandale Ballroom.  

Ellen’s family will host a Celebration of Life with the location and time to be announced in the spring.   Arrangements by the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home in Bedford.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Episcopal Church: 309 South Richard Street, Bedford, PA 15522. Our online guest book is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.