BRADENTON BEACH – Family and friends joyously celebrated the life and legacy of longtime Bradenton Beach resident and honorary Privateer Ellen Scott at the Drift In on Saturday, March 16. Ellen passed away on March 1 at the age of 85.
Ellen’s son, Bob Slicker, thanked those in attendance and encouraged everyone to be as giving to their community as Ellen was to hers. Holding a “Green Flash” shot provided to all by the Drift In, Ellen’s oldest granddaughter, Katie Clennan, proposed a toast in honor of her beloved grandmother. In honor of Ellen’s festive holiday spirit, and St. Patty’s Day being the following day, many attendees wore green clothing; and bagpiper Klaus Hinrichson performed traditional Irish songs.
On behalf of the Anna Maria Island Privateers, President MaryAnn “Maz” Zayla thanked Ellen for all the support and assistance she provided over the years during Privateers’ fundraisers. “She was the lotto board queen. She raised so much money for us. It was amazing,” Zayla said.
Privateer Roger “Hoodat” Murphree then recited a poem about the pirate lore of the green flash at sunset signifying a passing soul shooting to the sky. “It’s a rare event indeed, just as Ellen was a rare soul,” he said before raising his “Green Flash” shot and proposing another toast.
Laurie Weremecki then sang an emotionally moving rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
The celebration continued into late afternoon with a potluck-style buffet that included many homemade pies baked in honor of Ellen’s habit of baking pies for others, live music performed by Dos-Macs and several special guests.
On March 14, friends and family members gathered at Slicker’s Eatery in Cortez for a Tampa Bay Lightning watch party that celebrated “The Electric Life of Ellen Scott” with blue Jello shots, a toast by Ellen’s grandson, Brian Slicker, and the raffling off of Lightning souvenirs.
Related coverage: Ellen Scott was a local treasure
