Eileen Ellis

She started her journey in New York, the eldest daughter of Skip and Nanny Gallagher. Eileen grew up on the beaches of Rockaway with her five brothers and sisters, attending St. Francis de Sales school. She graduated from St. Joseph’s College in Brooklyn and joined the working world, eventually moving to Washington, DC and Madrid. She met the love of her life, Lynn Ellis, while working for the US Embassy in Spain. They were married for 56 wonderful years, living in England, Australia, Westport, Clearwater and Largo. Along the way they had three children, Lynn, Maggie and Kathy, as well as nine grandchildren.

Eileen was warm and loving and welcomed all with a smile and a cookie, or if you were very lucky, a piece of apple pie. Many of us remember receiving a box of M&M cookies while at college, or a chocolate chip when we fell and skinned our knees. She had an amazing capacity to communicate to all ages, but especially to children.

Eileen is survived by her husband, children and grandchildren, as well as her brother, Peter, and sister LouLou, and her many nieces and nephews. The family is especially grateful for the care and love provided by the Siegel family for so many years, and to the caregivers at Pinecrest who fought for Eileen to the end and helped her and us face death with grace and dignity.

Eileen was a woman of great faith. For those who wish to offer a memorial, please consider a mass or prayer service, or a donation to the Catholic Charities in her name.