Death of an arts advocate
mainI am extremely saddened to learn of the death of Ellen Hughes, a warm personal friend who kept the arts alive and on air in a corner of Pennsylvania where they could not thrive without encouragement.
Ellen was a radio announcer, actress and PennLive columnist. She was also a boundless enthusiast, ever curious for new cultural experience. On my only visit to Harrisburg, I saw at first hand how essential her spirit was to the arts ecology. She had a radio programme, Desert Island Discs, and told me to bring my own CDs since the station’s classical stock was minimal and relenetlessly MOR. Ellen dedicated her soul to opening minds and ears.
Stricken by pancreatic cancer, she died quickly, aged 68.
God rest her soul.
This is truly very sad and unexpected, Norman. Ellen was a very strong and passionate advocate for the arts, (and yes, we shared a Desert Island interview). She loved everything about her job and her legacy is indeed very rich and very significant. She will be so very much missed by those whose lives she was such a vital part of.