Ellen Louise Mello

Ellen L. (Birnhak) Mello, born November 17, 1945 in Staten Island, New York, lifelong resident of Orlando, Florida, passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2015, at the age of 69. She was the oldest daughter of Abraham and Mildred Birnhak.

Ellen was a loving wife, daughter, sister, aunt, mother, and grandmother.

Ellen attended Blankner Elementary, Cherokee Junior High, and graduated from William R. Boone High School in 1963. In 1964, Ellen met the love of her life, Joseph Mello, and in 1965 married her true love, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on March 20, 2015. Ellen and Joe have raised three wonderful children, Katy M. Metcalf, of Merritt Island, Florida, Dannye S. Mello-Thompson, of Orlando, Florida, and James J. Mello, of Orlando, Florida.

Ellen is survived by her husband, Joseph; brother Bruce Birnhak; sister Lynn Keaton; daughters Katy (David) Metcalf and Dannye Mello-Thompson; son James (Ni Wayan) Mello; nephews Troy (Naomi) Glassman and Chad Keaton; five grandchildren, Adam and Andrew Metcalf, Mikkel and Chynna Thompson, and Maurice Mello; numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held Wednesday August 19, 2015, at 10:00 am at Temple Israel, 9200 Morton Jones Road, Gotha, Florida 34734. A reception to follow at Rotary Club of West Orange, 475 S. Kirkman Road, Orlando, FL 32811.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ellen’s name to VITAS Healthcare.