Ellen E. Boehme

Ellen Eileen Gordon was born to mother Annie Gillespie and father Michael Gordon in Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland on November 5, 1933, and was called home to be with the Lord on January 4, 2022 at the age of 88 in Port Jefferson, New York, surrounded by her loving family.

Ellen was adored by her late husband Bill. She is loved and cherished by her children Phyllis, Maireadh, Deidre, Terri & Jim and Billy; her grandchildren Eileen, Christine & Bill, Breanna and Kevin; and her great grandchildren Kaleigh, Aria, Billy and Aubree. Ellen was a beloved sister to May, the late Jack, the late Annie, Willie, the late Mikey, Margaret, Anthony and Philomena. Ellen was an adored sister-in-law, aunt and cousin to many, both in the U.S. and in Ireland. She was preciously loved by all who knew her, including her many patients and their families.

Ellen was born and raised on a farm in the Town of Ballina, County Mayo, Ireland. At the age of 20, Ellen left her hometown in Ireland in pursuit of new opportunities in America with her younger sister, Annie. The two were met by their older sister, May, who had arrived just a short time before. Ellen began her life in America as a telephone operator and waitress before devoting her life to healthcare work. Ellen married her husband, Willard (Bill) Boehme, on January 10, 1956 and gave birth to five children, who in turn birthed four grandchildren and four great grandchildren, to date. Ellen’s American Dream was realized in her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren and was shared with her siblings, friends and patients.

Whether it was the enticing scent of her cooking, the kindness in her eyes, the warmth in her smile, or the peace that came from being in her presence, any place Ellen was felt like home.

Ellen was a gift from God and a blessing to all who knew her. Her smile lit up every room and her heart was as loving as her soul. She loved fiercely, laughed hard, and was a wonderful storyteller. Ellen had a warrior spirit and possessed a strength that most people will likely never know. She was kind, elegant and graceful. Ellen was the matriarch of her family and found joy in seeing them all together. She hosted family dinner every Sunday for many years. Ellen poured her heart and soul into everything she did, including her cooking, where her fried chicken was unparalleled, her Irish Soda Bread warmed the heart, and her potato salad developed a reputation all of its own.

In life, there is always that special someone who shapes who you are, who helps determine the type of person you will be, and inspires you to become greater. Ellen was this special someone for so many of those around her.

To her adoring family and friends: may you be reminded and encouraged of Ellen’s love for you when you feel the warmth of sunshine on your face. May you be reminded of her peace in the midst of any storm. May we all strive to live like Ellen: love fiercely and wildly; pray earnestly and overuse the phrase, “I love you”; and laugh hard and laugh often. May God Bless and Protec you all. Bail ó Dhia ort.

Celebration of life on Wednesday, January 12th from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at O.B. Davis Funeral Homes, 4839 Nesconset Highway, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776. Memorial Mass on Thursday at 10 AM at St. Gerard Majella R.C. Church, 300 Terryville Road, Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776. Interment of cremated remains to follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 3442 Route 112, Coram, NY 11727.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.obdavisportjefferson.com for the Boehme family.