Ellen Maureen Kennell

Ellen Maureen Kennell, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and devoted nurse, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 24, 2026, in Everett, Washington, due to an internal brain aneurysm. She was 86 years old.

Ellen was born on Sunday, May 21, 1939, in Wadsworth, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Cornelius O’Meara; her mother, Helen D’Emma (Hickman) O’Meara; her brother, Thomas James O’Meara; and her partner, Howard Hughes. From an early age, Ellen radiated warmth, kindness, and quiet strength—qualities that defined her life and touched everyone who knew her. She graduated from Clairdon High School in 1957, where she was honored as Homecoming Queen, a recognition that reflected not only her beauty but also her grace and character.

Following her calling to care for others, Ellen attended the Grant School of Nursing in Columbus, Ohio, where she earned her Registered Nurse degree in 1960. Nursing was never just a profession for Ellen—it was a vocation of the heart. Over the course of more than 50 years, she served patients in a variety of settings, including general practice, cardiology, and hospice care. Whether offering clinical expertise or quiet comfort in a patient’s final moments, Ellen brought compassion, dignity, and humanity to every life she touched.

A lifelong learner with a deep commitment to excellence, Ellen later returned to school to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University in 2013, demonstrating her belief that growth, service, and curiosity never truly end.

Ellen’s faith was a steady and guiding presence throughout her life. She believed deeply in kindness, service, and grace, and she lived those values daily—often quietly, but always through action. She had a gentle spirit, a ready smile, and a calming presence that put others at ease. One of her greatest pleasures was reading; books were a lifelong companion, a source of comfort, curiosity, and joy. Whether immersed in a novel or sharing a thoughtful conversation sparked by something she had read, Ellen treasured learning and reflection. She found happiness in simple moments—time with family, a good book, caring for others, and the quiet satisfaction of being useful and needed.

In addition to her demanding, lifelong career in nursing, Ellen also carried the profound responsibility of raising her children as a single mother. She met that role with the same quiet determination, resilience, and selflessness that defined every part of her life. Balancing long hours, financial pressures, and the emotional weight of doing it largely on her own, she ensured her children were loved, supported, and encouraged to pursue education, service, and integrity. Her strength, perseverance, and unwavering devotion left a lasting imprint on her family and shaped her children's lives and values in enduring ways.

While Ellen was immensely proud of her nursing career, her greatest joy and pride were her children and family. She was a loving, devoted mother to Robyn Carey (Mike) of Everett, Washington; Colonel (RET) Thomas Byrd (Carena) of Richmond Hill, Georgia; David Byrd (Cindy) of Granite Falls, Washington; and Mark Byrd (Derrick) of Akron, Ohio. She celebrated their achievements. Proud that all her children were college graduates, she supported them through challenges and loved them unconditionally.

Ellen’s heart only grew larger with each generation. She was a cherished grandmother to Ayla, Zachary, Dalston, Sommer, Jessica, and Anthony, and a deeply adored great-grandmother to Audrey, Raya, Raegan, Tayla, Bodhi, and Rylee. Her family will remember her gentle wisdom, steady presence, laughter, and the way she made each person feel seen and loved.

Ellen will be remembered for her deep love of family, her lifelong passion for reading, and the quiet wisdom and compassion she shared so freely with everyone around her. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.

A celebration honoring her life will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at New Life Church in Everett, WA. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. following calling hours at Boyd Funeral Home in Marion, OH.