Ellen:
You were the most spiritual person that I met in my journey in trying to understand why my wife did not love me.  I will always thank father Fran for sending you to me.  I should have listened to you and taken your guidance.   Instead I allowed my humanity to control the wisdom you had given me.  I will always miss you.
Love always 
Claude

Richard and Jerry: I worked with your mom at the Catholic Youth Department in the mid seventies.  She was awesome!  She had a heart of gold, and began C.A.R.E. (Concerned Adolescents for the Retired and Elderly).  Her enthusiasm and joy of life was contagious.  She loved people; especially the elderly, the young, and everyone in between; including all of us on staff blessed enough to work with her.  And we had so much fun together.  So much fun.  Fortunately I got to see her recently at St. Christopher's, when she was ushering at Msgr. Fran Weldgen's 60th Anniversary Mass and Celebration.  It was so good to see her again.  I recall that she always spoke of you both highly, with so much love in her heart.  Ellen was a gem, and a true disciple of Jesus.  How lucky I was to work with her and hang out with her.

We had so many great times and we are  sorry we can’t make more. We love you, Grandma EJ. We will miss you so much, especially at Allegany. 
Love Jovanni and Skye 

I met Ellen in 1994 when Richard and I first got together. I remember speaking to her about God and spirituality and that conversation continued across the decades. Some of my fondest memories of her were sitting at the table of her cabin in Allegany connecting about prayer and meditation. She was and will always be a women of deep faith and heart. I believe some of Richard’s spirituality and faith came from her influence and example. 

She made such a difference in so many lives. She truly came to serve. I can feel her presence now and am inspired to share my heart and help others, just as she did.

 She lives on in the hearts of so many, especially her grandchildren. She loved them all so much and was so proud of them. Jovanni and Skye will miss Grandma EJ . My pray is that they live a life guided by faith, just like Ellen. 

I have known Ellen since before I was ordained. We worked together, we prayed together, we laughed together. It is hard to imagine the world without that big generous heart beating. To Richard and Jerry: your Mom taught you how to love life, to love the Lord and to give of yourself. She taught that to all of us. When that great reunion takes place in heaven, Ellen will welcome us with a huge hug and howling laughter.

Ellen was such a special person; she always was willing to share her wisdom and learn from others. I meet here when I started to work at St Chris and she was always the first to help. She worked to plan the Women's retreats and made sure all were welcome. She led our prayer group. Was an usher at Mass and a true leader. A devoted "Bills " fan and always there to cheer everyone on .Thank you for sharing her with us


I am saddened to learn of Ellen's passing.  Her mother, Mabel, was my mother, Dorothy Sittnick's best friend for so many years.  I haven't seen Ellen for a long, long time, but we were friends as children and young adults.
My sympathy to her sons and the rest of the Coad family.
Kay Sittnick Garlapow

Ellen was a mentor, a teacher, a friend, a therapist and an inspiration.  She was a faith filled woman with a warm disposition and infectious laugh.  The title that meant the most to her was mother and grandmother.  I am a better person for knowing and working with Ellen and I thank Richard and Jerry for sharing this amazing woman with me.  May God bless you and your family with peace and strength during this time.

My condolences to the family of Ellen Christensen.  I have always considered Ellen a mentor and held her in the highest regard.  She was always honest but kind and her laughter was contagious.  As  a YES  Director she inspired me to work with integrity and achieve the highest goals. She will be sorely missed but my cherished memories of her will continue to guide me personally and professionally. Hopefully more cherished memories of Ellen will give comfort to her family and friends at this difficult time.


My life changed in 1995 when Ellen hired me to be her secretary.  I learned so much from her!  Watching her with the students year after year teaching them to be compassionate, caring individuals was incredible!  Most of them were in social work, counseling or the medical field.  They kept in touch after they graduated to thank her and to let her know how much she helped them in the real world.   One of her favorite words was "awesome".  She is the definition of awesome!  Thank you for everything, we love you and go Bills!!  RIP EJC❤❤❤❤

Ellen was my first friend when we moved to  Forestview Apartments in 2016.  She made me feel like I was not a stranger. She was funny, kind and generous to all. We shared many Wednesday morning coffees even after she moved. I'll remember her with with affection always.

My dearest Ellen you were my mentor and cherished friend for 26 years ..... My heart is broken .... You epitomized compassion, motivation, and inspiration to everyone who knew you .... I’m honored to have been a part of your life .....You taught me to accept myself as an individual....You celebrated everyone for individuality and uniqueness.....There is and never will be anyone like you ..... I’ll love you and miss you with my heart and soul forever .....Love you my beautiful Angel .....Love Dana ❤️❤️❤️❤️

Loving.  Faith-filled.  Strong.  Intelligent.  Funny.  Special.  Beautiful. Caring. Tenacious. There are so many words that describe Ellen. Richard and Jerry, I send you and your families my condolences. Your Mom was a remarkable woman and she was my role model. I am honored to have known her. You know she’s in heaven right now laughing and having fun. 

We would not still be married were it not for Ellen's skill, kindness, and love 24 years ago.  What a wonderful person!

OBITUARY

Ellen J. Christensen

20 April, 1943 – 18 December, 2020

Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services