Ellen Coughlan

Ellen - known also to her family as Ita - was born in 1929 near the village of Ballydehob, on the southwest coast of Ireland.

She was the youngest daughter of Timothy and Mary Coughlan(McCarthy) and was predeceased by her brothers Dan, John and Tim, and by her sisters Mary O'Driscoll (Coughlan) and Julia (Sister Joseph).

Ellen trained as a nurse/midwife on the south coast of England and worked there for a number of years before moving to Lynn, Massachusetts. She began to work in Lynn Hospital as the head nurse in the OR department and later worked at Union Hospital.

During a career which spanned half a century, she was a professional, caring, compassionate nurse, liked and respected by patients and colleagues. She was a valued member of the nursing profession in Massachusetts.

In the early 1980s Ellen bought a house - 284 Ocean Street, close to the local beaches, where she loved to walk. She was a talented knitter, able to interpret complicated knitting patterns to complete beautiful throws, Aran sweaters and cardigans. Another favourite pastime was visiting antique auctions and fairs. She had some beautiful pieces of antique furniture and china in her home.

Her gardening skills and flower displays won her Diamond District Yard of the Month.

Ellen never forgot her roots and until recently made trips to Ireland to visit her family. She made strong, long lasting friendships during her lifetime and was predeceased by her good friend George Cosgrove. Her family would like to thank her friend Linda Berg for the care and consideration she showed to Ellen during her final years.

Ellen will be mourned by her sister-in-law Helen, nieces and nephews in Ireland, UK and Turkey, cousins and friends.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 24th from 9:30AM to 10:30AM in the Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home 157 Maple Street, Lynn, followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Pius V Church Lynn at 11:00AM. Burial in St. Joseph's Cemetery.