Ellen K. Haines, age 86, of Springfield, Virginia, passed away on January 16, 2026, at Inova Fairfax Hospital.

She was the beloved wife of the late George H. Haines III and a devoted mother to George H. (Jill) Haines IV of Westford, Massachusetts. Ellen was a proud and loving grandmother to her cherished grandsons, Cooper and Davis Haines.

She was predeceased by her brothers, Klaus (Marlies) Niemer and Manfred (Brigitte) Niemer.

Born on June 1, 1939, in Düsseldorf, Germany, Ellen married George in 1966, beginning a life of adventure, service, and travel through George’s work with the U.S. Department of State. Their journey took them around the world, with postings in Italy, Chad, Czechoslovakia, Finland, China, and Jamaica.

Ellen’s life was a testament to living with intention, energy, and joy. She never let the grass grow under her feet and remained active until her final day. Her infectious enthusiasm kept her constantly connected with friends—whether arranging rounds of golf, tennis, or pickleball, playing bridge or mahjong, sharing dinners, or enjoying evenings at the theater.

Ellen will be profoundly missed, but her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family, friends, and the many lives she touched across the globe. She will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Rhode Island.

A celebration of life will be held this spring in Springfield, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Greenspring Scholars Fund or the USTA Foundation.