Ellen Tegethoff McQueary
Age 96, died peacefully in her home in Springfield, VA on August 16, 2021. She was born in Essen, Germany in 1925.
Ellen was the beloved wife of Fredric K. McQueary who died in 1979. She was able to speak several different languages and was gifted at mastering them. She worked briefly as a German and Russian translator for the US Army. After moving to the United States and raising a family she worked, again as a translator, for Berlitz Institute. She went on to get a graduate degree from American University and taught German at West Springfield High School until retiring in 1985. She was celebrated as an outstanding language teacher and was highly regarded by her students and fellow faculty.
Ellen was passionate about life. Her favorite slogan was “Carpe diem”. She loved her home where she enjoyed decorating and hosting her many friends and guests. She also created an extensive garden there where she experimented growing many varieties of plants and enjoyed attracting and observing birds and other wildlife.
Ellen was also an avid traveler and ventured (often solo) around the globe, to destinations as varied as Central America, Peru, Ecuador, Europe, Russia, Uzbekistan, India, Egypt and Thailand. On her travels she enjoyed seeking out and studying the indigenous textiles of the various regions. She was a member of the Textile Museum in Washington, DC and went on a number of their study trips to Central and South America.
Ellen is survived by her sister, Inge Goetze, in Germany and her two sons, Rolf, in Virginia and Peter, in Washington State.
Because of the Covid pandemic, a memorial service will be arranged and announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org.
Everyone has one teacher that made an impact on their life. Mrs. McQueary was mine. She taught me German for three years at West Springfield High School which I used daily in my career flying for Delta Air Lines. While in the USAF I was selected to learn Mandarin Chinese and required a very high security clearance and she gave me a stellar recommendation. I was frequently in Germany with my job and as I enjoyed coffee, a pastry and tried to read a German newspaper, she was frequently on my mind and I wished she was there to join me. For Peter and Rolf and your families I extend my deepest condolences.. Rolf and I sat next to each other in Mr. Ryder’s Geometry class and as I recall neither of us were great math stars. We have lost a great educator and friend.
I first met Mrs. McQueary in 1969. She was my German instructor for four years at West Springfield High School. I really liked her. She was a wonderful teacher. The only teachers I really liked, whose names I can still remember are hers and the band director. I was a CPA and did her taxes for many years after her husband died. After I retired in 2005, I had the pleasure of taking her to doctors appointments. I had just called her up and said, “Can I help you?” Thankfully, she agreed. We went to many appointments and always had a good time together. I met my future wife in high school, and Mrs. McQueary was always so kind to her – she was happy to see the two of us together. My wife and I would go over to her house to visit, she would come to out house to visit. She was such an interesting woman. My condolences to the family.
Jim Overson
My condolences to your family. I was taught by Frau McQueary. She was a wonderful teacher. I still make her Schnickerdoodle recipe. May she be at peace in God’s loving care.