Ellen C. Mahaney

Ellen Charlotte Mahaney

"Loving mother, grandmother & great-grandmother"

Ellen C. Mahaney, 94, passed away peacefully at her home, The Watermark of East Hill Road, Southbury, in the presence of her loving and honorary daughter, Patricia Murphy on May 28, 2025. She was the loving wife of the late Atty. John D. "Jack" Mahaney.

Ellen was born on July 6, 1930 in Waterbury, the daughter of the late James and Florence (Slater) McNaney and sister of the late Mary Jane Roosa. She was a graduate of Crosby High School Class of 1948, and St. Mary's Hospital School of Nursing, Class of 1952.

Our mother began her nursing career in 1952, working in the delivery room at St. Mary's Hospital with compassion and skill. Though her formal career lasted just two years - she chose instead to focus on raising her four children - she continued to use her medical knowledge generously throughout her life. Her commitment to caring for others never wavered. Using her nursing knowledge to help neighborhood children and friends of the family, always ready with a remedy, reassurance, or a kind touch that helped others heal. Her instinct to nurture didn't end at our doorstep - it extended to everyone around her.

Ellen found great joy in life's simple pleasures - traveling with our dad, cooking for anyone who happened to stop by the 'Red House' and taking Jeep rides to The Point where she and Dad shared a deep appreciation for quiet moments, often spending hours together just sitting and watching the tides roll in and out on beautiful, sunny summer days on the Cape. She was also a devout member of St. John of the Cross Church, where she formed many lasting friendships. In her final years at The Watermark, she was blessed not only among the many dear friends she made, but also with the caring staff who brought her both joy, comfort and kind conversation that brightened her days.

Ellen leaves behind her sons; Atty. D.J. Mahaney (Lori Scappini) of Palm Beach Gardens, FL and John D. Mahaney, Jr. of Phoenix, AZ, her daughter; Beth Caldwell, of Waterbury. She will also be missed by her eight grandchildren and their spouses: Christopher Doyle and (Stephanie): Lauren Van der Vyver and (Jacques); Jack Doyle and (Tara); Amy Auldredge and (Dustan); C.J. and Dan Errichetti, Johnny and Bobby Mahaney; seven great-grandchildren: Charlotte, Jack, Vonna, Nora, Hunter, Haley & Adeline and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband Jack, Ellen was predeceased by her daughter Meg Mahaney-Smith and daughter-in-law Lisa Mahaney; sons-in-law Malcolm "Trip" Caldwell and Gregory Smith.

Arrangements: A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at St. John of the Cross Church, 1089 Whittemore Rd., Middlebury. Friends are asked to meet directly at church. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Waterbury.

Memorial contributions may be made in Ellen's memory to:

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude’s Place
Memphis, TN 38105