Meriden: Ellen M. Papciak, 57, of Meriden, passed away peacefully after a long illness, Wednesday, December 27, 2023. Her passion for the arts and activism has touched so many parts of the world and her energy will be deeply missed.

Ellen was born in Meriden on November 21, 1966, a daughter of Paul Papciak and the late Sheila (Blower) Papciak. She graduated from Maloney High School. Afterwards, she studied theater at Wagner College, fine/studio arts at University of Urbino, then graduated from Southern Connecticut State University with a Bachelor of Science in fine/studio arts and communications.

After completing her education, Ellen volunteered with the Peace Corps as an art teacher in Botswana. This is where she met Jeremy Rose, whom she would then marry. She opened an art gallery called Artswana with a friend. She and Jeremy moved to South Africa after apartheid ended and adopted Maya Lwazi Rose shortly thereafter.

Ellen was a graphic designer, photographer, illustrator, and artist. Her work centered around social justice, public health, artist publications and catalogs, education, storybooks, among others. Her art was fun, silly, colorful, tongue and cheek, made people think, and made people smile. She painted on wood panels, glass, and other found objects. She did laser cutting, printmaking, photography, and more.

Her family is so thankful for all the time they spent with her. She had so much love for all of them - her daughter, Maya Lwazi Rose; her father and late mother, Paul and Sheila Papciak; her brother and sister-in law, Jeff and Heather Papciak; her nephews and niece, Jeffrey, Owen, and Sophia Papciak; and her late husband, Jeremy Rose.

While too long to list, she also loved her extended family and her friends (found family!). 

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