Ellen E. Kennedy

Ellen E. Kennedy obituary

Ellen E. Kennedy

Ellen Kennedy Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Kloecker Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. - Erie (a.k.a. Francis V. Kloecker on Oct. 16, 2025.

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"Thou she be but little she is fierce." ~Shakespeare

Ellen Ryan Kennedy, 82, of Erie, PA, passed away suddenly at Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA, on March 14, 2025.

Ellen was born on April 1, 1942, to Allan Ryan and Beatrice Ryan (Baeten) in Elmira, NY.

She was raised in Clearfield, PA, and attended St. Francis School, graduating in 1960. She then attended Villa Maria College and earned a degree in Medical Technology in 1964. Ellen began her career at St. Vincent Hospital, where she met her future husband, Jon Kennedy. The two were married on November 13, 1965, and raised five children in Erie, PA.

She is survived by her husband, and five children: Maureen Dailey (Matt) of Bay Village, OH; Beth Anne Scanio (Jeffrey) of Harrison City, PA; Jennifer Spellacy (Mike) of Fairview, PA; Carrie of Erie, PA; and Jon of Temple, TX. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Katy Scanio, Kevin Dailey, Sara Scanio, Jamie Dailey, Cecelia Kennedy, Jack Scanio, Ellen Dailey, Nick von Sternberg, Jon Thomas Kennedy, Liam Spellacy, and Andrew von Sternberg; and two great-grandsons, Cosmo and Reign.

Ellen is also survived by her brother, Dave (Kathy) Ryan of Clearfield, PA, and four sisters: Kathy (Gary) Fowler of Wooster, OH; Lynn (Wally) Wells of Frederick, MD; Sr. Jean Ryan of St. Michaels, AZ; and Maureen (Terry) Briskar of Clearfield, PA. Additionally, she is survived by her sister-in-law, Sr. Mary Claire Kennedy of Erie, PA, as well as 37 nieces and nephews.

Jon and Ellen established their home on Lincoln Avenue, where they resided for 50 years. Ellen proudly raised her children and maintained a welcoming home. Everyone who entered the house felt the warmth of her Irish kitchen, where stories and laughter prevailed. Ellen also nurtured her plants and gardens with the same dedication and patience she showed her friends and family. She was a woman of quiet strength, wisdom, faith, and love. She was funny yet introverted, cute but not hip, giving yet uncompromising, and always loving and supportive. She only wanted what was best for everyone.

Friends may call on Friday at the Kloecker Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc, 2502 Sassafras St. from 3 pm until the time of the service at 6:30 pm. Send condolences to www.kloeckerfuneralhome.com

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier (LEAF), 1501 West 6th Street, Erie, PA 16505.

And in Ellen's words, "Please be KIND."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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