Ellen “Nelle” Kay Pingree

January 24, 1951 - March 11, 2023
Ellen “Nelle” Kay Pingree

Gifts & Memorial Donations

Ellen “Nelle” Kay Pingree, 72, of Hendersonville passed away surrounded by her family on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at The Greens at Hendersonville. She was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late, S.Harold and Mildred Fastman on January 24, 1951.

Nelle went to Lock Haven State College in Lock Haven, PA. She worked as a claims adjuster for The Doctor’s Company. She moved from Pennsylvania to Santa Monica, CA where she found her community house of worship at Beth Shir Shalom Synagogue In Nelle’s freetime she enjoyed making music and pottery.

She is survived by her daughter, Alyson Owen and her husband, Sean of Lyman, SC; grandchildren, Hazel, Parker, and Conner; brother, Alan Fastman and his wife, Hope of Media, PA; nephew, Adam Fastman; niece, Alicia Fastman along with many cousins and special friends.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Nelle’s honor may be made to the Jewish Community Center in Asheville.

A graveside service will be held in Mills River, NC. The family will be at Alyson’s home in Inman, SC following the service. For information about the service please contact Alyson directly.

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  • September 27, 2023
    Andrea Lynn Jacobsen says:
    To the family of Nelle Pingree: I just learned of Nelle's passing today. I'd been trying to text her, and when it came up as a wrong number, I was worried. When Nelle left Gerber Givens, I offered to care for her dog Monty until she got back on her feet again. She was really grateful that I could take him. I was hoping she would get better and be able to move to the tiny house village in Hendersonville like she wanted. When her health didn't improve, she asked me (in tears) if I could give Monty a forever home and I agreed. I took Monty to visit her once and it made her whole week! Monty is a wonderful dog, sweet. loyal, protective and handsome; his vet says he's their favorite boy! I'd like to think that Nelle lives on through her love for Monty. I'd love to contact you, her family. My email address is below.

  • March 19, 2023
    Jeanne Foster says:
    Goodbye my friend. Thank you for all the fun we had growing up! It was a very special time in our lives. JEANNE MOSKOWITZ FOSTER

  • March 13, 2023
    Debora Hadeen says:
    Nelle was such a sweet soul, with a fabulous laugh and a listening ear. I left Santa Monica years ago, but always remembered her voice, both in song and in spirit. Nelle was always a bright spot in the day, calming all with her smile and laugh. She was dedicated to living her best life, through whatever was coming. May her memory be a blessing