Northumberland, NY- Ellen R. Bongard, a longtime member of the New York Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding Industry, passed away suddenly on December 7, 2020 at her home in Northumberland, she was 77.

Born on June 2, 1943 in New York City, she was predeceased by a brother, Bertram Jr., her father, Bertram F. Bongard Sr. and her mother, Rojean R. Bongard.  She was a graduate of Scarsdale High School in Scarsdale, NY and Russell Sage College in Troy, NY.

Her father was a founding member of the New York Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund Corporation and with his family he raised and raced thoroughbreds.  In his honor the Bertram F. Bongard Stakes for New York- breeds has been run annually since 1983.

Ellen operated Rojan Farms from 1968 to 2020.  Horses and golf were her favorite activities and she was a longtime member of the Saratoga Golf and Polo Club.

Ellen is survived by her sister, Barbara Bongard.

Services will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Contributions in Ellen's name may be made to: TAKE2 Second Career Thoroughbred Program Inc., P.O. Box 21028 Floral Park, NY11002 or to New Vocations, 719 Dolan lane, Lexington, KY 40511.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com .