Ellen H. Caffrey

AUBURN - Ellen H. Caffrey, 94, of Second Avenue, Auburn, died peacefully at home after a brief illness, on May 12, 2010, surrounded by her loving daughters. Ellen, known to many of her friends as Nell or Nellie was born Oct. 24, 1915, to Matthew and Julia Quinn Hassett. A lifelong resident of Auburn, she graduated from Auburn High School and Auburn Business School. She married Carroll J. Caffrey, of Syracuse in 1942. Prior to her marriage to Carroll, she worked at the Personal Finance center in Auburn. Although Nell was not employed outside her home after her marriage, she was never a lady of leisure, making the most of her gifts, talents and time in volunteering, however, she was needed, by any organization with which she was affiliated. During the 1950s, Nell and Carroll were founding members of Sacred Heart Parish and became actively involved in the building of Sacred Heart School. When the school opened in 1957, she became a near daily presence, volunteering in the library, assisting in the office and substituting in the classroom whenever needed. Active in both the Mother's Club and Rosary Society, Nell was involved in all aspects of fundraising for the fledgling parish. Nell continued her involvement with church work until recent years. Nell was an RSVP volunteer at the Schweinfurth Memorial Art Center and for more than 20 years at the Mercy Health and Rehabilitation Center, where she found her special niche working in the gift shop. She was predeceased by her husband, Carroll, in 1980, and her brother, Eugene Hassett. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Caffrey, of Auburn, Kathleen (Terrance) Collins, of Rochester, Ellen (David) Nattila, of Portland, Conn.; and grandchildren, Sean Collins, Julia and Matthew Nattila. At Nell's request there will be no calling hours. A memorial Mass will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 22, at Sacred Heart Church, 90 Melrose Road, Auburn. The family requests that contributions in Nell's memory be made to Hospice of the Finger Lakes, 1130 Corporate Drive, Auburn. Farrell's Funeral Service Inc., is handling arrangements. To send a message to the family, sign our guest book at www.auburnpub.com and click on obituaries