Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
ELLEN KELLIHER Obituary
58, of Somerville, MA, passed away Monday July 1, 2013, in the loving embrace of her husband, Damian Musello and their daughter, Rita. Her breast cancer may have been diagnosed earlier if medical radiology standards were more rigorous so with colleagues she drafted House Bill 1050 which requires radiologists to notify women with dense breast tissue that a mammography alone may miss cancer and they should also have an ultrasound. With Local 26 of the Hotel Workers Union she organized hotels in Boston. As an attorney she represented Local 26 members and worked with NACA and NOAH to help first time homebuyers. In 2008 she co-founded GreenHome Realty, LLC a Somerville realty office dedicated to making energy issues a part of the realty transaction. A fighter for justice throughout her life. A private memorial service is planned for family and close friends on July 13th. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made payable to: MGH Cancer Center at Emerson Hospital Bethke. Address: Massachusetts General Hospital, Development Office Suite 600, 165 Cambridge Street, Boston, MA. 02114.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for ELLEN KELLIHER
George A Ciccarone
June 28, 2025
Another year has come and gone since Ellen's passing. I think it's important to remember those were and still are important parts of our life and help make us into the people we are. I remember Ellen inviting me to the shore with her family. She referred to her dad as Big Ed. He took us and the entire family which seemed like 30 people out to a prime rib upscale restaurant at the shore and him insisting I try the end cut which I did and have done ever since :-). It's funny the things we remember and I guess there's a reason for that...There's not many people like Ellen that would invite you into their families. I still remember her hitchhiking back and forth in her blue uniform when she was a waitress at the Sheridan hotel in State college. She always had a work ethic extremely smart and caring. Why does God take those people from us so soon?
Mark Carr
May 18, 2016
She will always be in my prayers.
Pat (Mac) McDonald Obrien
July 1, 2014
It's been a year. Friends from Penn State are coming to our home for dinner tonight to celebrate Ellen. Her Caesar salad is on the menu. We all miss her humor and passion for life.
March 25, 2014
"A more Passionate advocate, you would never find". I worked with Ellen as both a union member and when I went into the banking business as a Loan Officer, I wouldn't think of assigning clients to any other attorney for consult on real estate transactions (the clients ALL loved her)...Rest Well Dear Lady & FRIEND.
Bernice & I will Miss those wonderful cookies that you baked us every Christmas.....My condolenses Damian & Rita (she loved you both sooo much).
Percy Stallworth
Teresa Hendricks
September 16, 2013
To Ellen's family and friends,
We've never met but I wish I had a chance to meet and befriend Ellen. Unfortunately, we both had breast cancer not found on mammograms. I'm also a labor law attorney, and a Breast Density Inform advocate in Michigan. Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss of a such a beautiful person, and please know that Ellen touched many lives with her efforts; her legacy still inspires those of us whom she never met to carry on the fight.
Teresa Hendricks
Meg Coburn (Moran)
September 5, 2013
I remember Ellen from my freshman and sophomore years at Trinity High School in Shiremanstown, PA. I moved away and lost touch after and often wondered what happened to my friends of those days - have such fun memories of times spent with Ellen, Kay, Patty, et al. What a wonderful life she led and am proud she made such a difference in so many people's lives. God bless you, Ellen - RIP.
Meg (Moran) Coburn
Nancy Cappello
July 5, 2013
On behalf of our education and advocacy organizations, I send our heartfelt sympathy to Ellen's husband, daughter, mother, siblings, friends and colleagues. We will continue to honor Ellen by working for mandatory dense breast tissue reporting. Sincerely, Nancy M Cappello, Executive Director and Founder - Are You Dense Inc. & Are You Dense Advocacy, Inc.
Scott Cook
July 5, 2013
John, so sorry to hear about your sister. May God bless the Kelliher family.
George Ciccarone
July 4, 2013
Ellen and I dated at Penn State and we lost track of each other. I always considered her a great friend and am shocked and saddened. She was a wonderful loving, and fun spirit. My deepest sympathy is with her family.
Tom Harvey
July 4, 2013
Ellen was a great friend from my Penn State days. I am so sad to hear of her passing. I will miss her.
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in ELLEN KELLIHER's name
Memorial Events
for ELLEN KELLIHER
How to support ELLEN's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor ELLEN KELLIHER's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
