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Ellen E. (O'Brien) Gooley September 12, 2011 Ellen E. (O'Brien) Gooley, 87 years young, passed to the Lord peacefully surrounded by her family at her daughter Mary's home in Westvale, where she lived. A graduate of Cathedral High School and Central City Business Institute, she was a lifelong resident of the West-End. During her working career, she served as the personal secretary to Dr. Bartholomew O. Murphy and later at the New York State Developmental Center for Dr. Philip Swender. Her passions during the course of her life included playing the accordion, and any activity that included her children and grandchildren. Like her mother "Nellie" O'Brien before her, she enjoyed showing grandchildren the finer points of card playing. Their "high stakes" penny ante games provided lots of laughter for all over the years. At yearly excursions to Cape Cod, she was the presiding judge over the annual crab races on the beach. Her 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren were truly the light of her life and she took great joy in attending all of their activities and delighted in following the events of their lives. She was a member of the St. Brigid's Mothers Club as well as the Altar Rosary Society and Young at Hearts. Over her lifetime, she was an active volunteer, helping many charitable activities for St. Brigid's, the AOH and many fundraising benefits for children and individuals with life threatening diseases. At the age of 86, she participated as a "shavee" raising funds for the 2010 St. Baldrick's Foundation in honor of her grandson, Colin Gooley, a cancer survivor. She had a deep rooted faith in her God and the central focus of her daily life was her church and her family and friends. Her smiling and sparkling blue Irish eyes will be greatly missed but her love will continue to live on across and through the generations of her family. The daughter of James and Ellen O'Brien of the West-End, she was predeceased by her parents and brother, James "Buddy" O'Brien Jr., as well as her husband, John A. Gooley Sr., in 1972; and her eldest son, John A. Gooley Jr., in 2009. She is survived by Ellen E. (Tim) Murphy, James R. Gooley, California, William (Lisa) Gooley, Mary Gooley, Ann (Ken) McDonald, Marion (Jeff) Kolovrat of North Carolina, Philip E. (Dawn) Gooley; and a sister, Mary Glavin; 13 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; four nieces and four nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating her life will be at 11:30 a.m. Friday at St. Brigid & St. Joseph's Church, 318 Herkimer Street. Calling hours will be Thursday 4 to 7 p.m. at the Edward J. Ryan Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ellen's name may be made to the Food Pantry at St. Brigid & St. Joseph's Church, 318 Herkimer Street, Syracuse, NY 13204.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ellen's family,
Please accept my sincere condolences and Prayers. I worked with Ellen at Syracuse Dwvelopmental Center.
I attended her calling hours with Jean Tellier who also worked with Ellen.She traveled with Ellen to Ann Green's home in New Hampshire.
Also My Husband John Brazell knew Ellen at Cathedral. wher I know she was a cheerleader
personal regard with Sympathy
Jean Brazell
September 16, 2011
For the family of Ellen Gooley
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I attended the calling hours but did not sign the guest book. I was with Jean Tellier and we both worked with Ellen at the Syracuse Developmental Center.
JeanBrazell
September 16, 2011
Marion,Jeff,Gooley Family,
Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May you remember all the good times you shared with your mother. I enjoyed meeting and talking with her at her visit to North Carolina - very special lady. Love you.
Helen Aheron
September 16, 2011
Dear Family Gooley,
I hope the light of this candle fills your hearts with memories of love for this remarkable woman.
With sincere condolances,
Karen
Karen Peissinger
September 16, 2011
Today (Thursday) through all the clouds and rain, there was a beautiful rainbow. I think your mom was smiling down at all of you with love and pride. Deepest sympathies.
Susan (Fox) & Jack Ladstatter
September 15, 2011
Marion,Jeff and family, Your mom was so much fun on the few occasions a got to meet her when she came to North Carolina. You immediately knew she loved her family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Russell & Retta Powell
September 15, 2011
Ann & Family - I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this sad time. Patti Lenweaver
Patti Lenweaver
September 15, 2011
What a whatever lady and family....lots of laughter and love. Many days of my youth spent at the Gooley house.
My condolences to the family and may you remember the good times always.
Debbi (Drum) Bassett
September 15, 2011
My sincerest sympathy goes out to the Gooley's and extended family. Hopefully knowing that she is at peace and not suffering, is a comfort. I am so pleased to have been able to share all the happy memories of two years ago in VA with all of you! Hugs to you all, Suzanne Stingo
Suzanne Stingo
September 15, 2011
My sympathies to the Gooley family and friends for their loss. Knowing her from SDC, I remember Ellen's sparkling irish eyes and smile..
May your wonderful memories bring you peace and I'm sure she'd want those card games and crab races to continue.
mary pierce
September 15, 2011
Phil- my deepest condolences to you and your family. Your mother sounds like she was truly a remarkable woman. I know she will be missed. Hugs to you and yours.
Jean Kaminski
September 15, 2011
Dear Gooley Family,
I offer my sincerest condolences for your loss. While I was not acquainted with your dear mother, my association with Marion over the years leads me to believe she was truly a remarkable woman.
Tasha Chavers
September 15, 2011
Marion and family- Sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. She is at peace and rest though, which hopefully is a comfort to all of you. Cherish the memories that you have all gotten to make as a family, as I'm sure they're wonderful. I hate I never got a chance to meet her, but I know that she has raised a wonderful daughter in the few months that I have gotten to know you! Praying for your strength and comfort and safe travels home!
Kim Dance
September 15, 2011
Mrs. Gooley was a very sweet, kind, friendly, and fun person. I remember her fondly from my days as a student at St. Brigid's - whenever there was a game, a dinner, a mass or an event at the church or school, she was always present - a really solid member of that community. I was fortunate to teach some of Ellen's grandchildren, and recognized her positive influence in their personalities. My sincere condolences to Ellen's children, grandchildren and family members.
Janet DeYulio Chemotti
September 15, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of loss. Although we only met Mrs. Gooley at Ben and Amanda's shower and wedding, we remember her as a very special lady--vibrant and full of smiles. We know she'll be missed by her loving family.
Bob and Sandy Cipiti
September 15, 2011
Aunt Ellen was a sweetheart and I was so lucky to have been her niece. My heart has broken and I am so sorry for your loss. Aunt Ellen was the glue that held the extended family together, and I will always miss her. Her laugh was her best asset, and she made everything fun. You could not help but love her and I always will. Prayers and love to all of you.
Marianne Gooley Juergensmeyer
September 14, 2011
Marion and family, you were so lucky to have such a loving mother for so many years. I enjoyed meeting her on a few occasions when she was in NC visiting. Our thoughts, our love and our prayers are with you at this time of grief. We love you.
Lugene & Glenn Fuquay
September 14, 2011
What an amazing woman...she must have been an outstanding mother to raise such a wonderful person such as Marion.
My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Amy Bedsole
September 14, 2011
Jeff and Marion and Family,so sorry to hear of Mrs Gooley's passing,she was a very sweet lady,May God be with you at this difficult time,I will keep you in my prayers.
Bennie Sizemore
September 14, 2011
To all the Gooleys,
I have know your Mom my whole life and not a finer woman was ever put on earth. When Gert and Ellen and my Mom were together the laughter was infectous. I am sorry I cannot be there but my prayers are with you all. Through all you of you she leave a tremendous legacy. God Bless you all.
Always your friend,
Jerry Wallace
Jerry Wallace
September 14, 2011
What a wonderful woman and a wonderful life! She was a second Mom to many of us and will be greatly missed.
Marty Fox
September 14, 2011
Dear Gooley Family,
You are in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of your mom. She was a wonderful lady who made everyone she met feel like a part of her family. You are so lucky to have had her for 87 years! May the memories you share bring you peace during this time. We love you all!
Kim & Tim Reece
September 14, 2011
Dear Gooley Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Your mom leaves a wonderful legacy in her family. Take comfort in your memories and in knowing she brought happiness to so many. Our prayers are with you.
Pat & Roger Naples
September 14, 2011
Dear Gooley Family,
You all are in our thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of your precious mother. She was a beautiful person who always greeted you with her wonderful smile and sunny disposition. When you were around her, she always made you feel like you were part of her family. I know that your hearts are breaking that she is longer here on earth with you. You are a wonderful family and part of her lives in each one of you. Her comfort will always be with you and will see you through this difficult time.
Cindy Williams
September 14, 2011
she was a very cool lady and i always enjoyed seeing and talking with her at the west end opens.Sorry for your loss.
joseph spossey
September 14, 2011
Tim & Ellen and family, we are so sorry for your loss and will keep your Mom and your family in our prayers. What an impressive woman and life.
Tom & Peg Ruane
Tom & Peg Ruane
September 14, 2011
Enna, Jimmy, Billy, Mary, Annie, Marion, and Phillip,
I was so saddened to hear of Aunt Ellen’s passing, but knowing she is with so many who love her brings comfort. As a child, the highlights of my summer were the visits to Syracuse and the time I spent on Milton Ave. All were welcome and treated as family. I can truly say, there was never a dull moment in the Gooley house. She was such a shining example of how people should live life. Mom always referred to Aunt Ellen as, “A Saint” and Rita did not offer that title lightly. I know they have already shared a glass of wine and your mother is entertaining everyone with her infectious laugh.
We love you all and please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.
Jeanne Gooley McCleery and Family
Jeanne Gooley McCleery
September 14, 2011
Bill,Ellen & Family-- A very fine lady in your Mom, thoughts and prayers to you all. " Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam"
Tom Rush
September 14, 2011
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