Dr. Ellen Marie Taricani

January 10, 1955 - February 3, 2025

State College, Pennsylvania - Dr. Ellen Marie Taricani passed away peacefully due to natural causes on February 3, 2025, in State College, PA, at the age of 70. Born on January 10, 1955, in Collingdale, PA, Ellen was a cherished daughter, sister, aunt, and friend whose warmth and generosity touched the lives of all who knew her.

Ellen grew up in State College with the love and support of her parents, Dolores and Joseph Taricani, and her siblings. She was predeceased by her father and sister, JoAnn Taricani. Ellen is survived by her mother, Dolores, her brothers, Joseph Taricani, Jr. (Colleen), and Thomas Taricani (Elizabeth), her nephews, Joseph Taricani, III, Joseph R. Taricani, and niece, Catherine Taricani.

A lifelong learner and educator, Ellen's academic journey began at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her Bachelor of Science. Her passion for knowledge and education led her to Penn State University, where she completed her Masters and Ph.D. She was an Associate Professor of Communication Arts and Sciences at her passing. Ellen's professional life was marked by a commitment to service and excellence. She was a respected figure in her field, known for her innovative thinking and her ability to inspire those around her.

Music and travel were among Ellen's greatest pleasures, particularly her visits to Italy, where she held a dual citizenship, which allowed her to explore her ancestral roots and indulge in the Italian culture. Her love for Italy was paralleled only by her devotion to her faith. Growing up Catholic, she found inspiration as an active member of Calvery Baptist Church. Ellen's service to her church was a testament to her faith-filled life, as she believed in living out her values through action and compassion.

She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to have been graced by her gentle spirit. Ellen's journey on earth has concluded, but her story will continue to inspire those who she touched. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Victory Church at 10am on Monday, February 17 and family will be receiving friends after the mass at OLV's Activities Center. Calvery Baptist Church is also planning a celebration of Ellen's life. If you wish, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.kochfuneralhome.com.

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

Published by Centre Daily Times from Feb. 7 to Feb. 9, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Taricani

12 Entries

Gayle Davidson-Shivers

May 6, 2025

I'm extending my condolences to you in the loss of Ellen. It is only recently found out of her passing. I knew Ellen through the EdMedia conference. It was a pleasure to work with her as co-chairs of the SIG: Learning Design. She was very organized and came up with great ideas for our meetings. She will be missed.

Lam Hood

February 21, 2025

Ellen was knowledgable and dependable colleague during her years in the College of Agricultural Sciences. We collaborated in the late 90's in creating an interactive course on the development and marketing of new food products that was offered via satellite at several US and Mexican institutions. Her positive can-do attitude epitomized her approach to life.

Mike Haluga

February 13, 2025

Dolores Tom & family
So sad to learn of Ellens passing. Wishing you peace and love....
Mike Haluga

Steve Shala

February 13, 2025

My fondest memory was an IT consulting trip to Louisiana back in the 90's. This was an invaluable opportunity and experience Ellen provided me as a new IT professional.

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Pat Parris

February 10, 2025

Taracani Family,

I am so sorry for your loss. Ellen was more than a friend to my family. We all called her Aunt Ellen.

My wife and I were college friends with Ellen back in Indiana, PA. She was an amazing selfless person whom I will always be grateful that she was my friend.

We have continued to get together over the many years since IUP. It was a shock and unbelievable that she is gone. We will be visiting you at the mass next Monday. We look forward to meeting everyone, and celebrating her life together.

Sincerely,

Pat & Lynn Parris

Nancy Shipman

February 8, 2025

Dear Mrs. Taricani and family, You have my deepest sympathy for your loss of Ellen. We lived on Twigs Lane and you all in Harris Acres and our families interacted as well as Ellen being a friend from early schooling to high school. I am glad she had a well lived life, but obviously cut too short. I have fond memories of Ellen and your family and will offer prayer in honor. Nancy Shipman, class 72

Mark Garrett

February 8, 2025

I knew Ellen the Fall of 1978 through the winter of 1981 at IUP. Ellen was an encouragement to me to be who Jesus called me to be. She would challenge me in a good way to step out. I thank God for her zeal for the Lord and for her balanced wisdom. My condolences and prayers go out to the family.

Elwood and Ruth Ann Williams

February 8, 2025

Dolores, Joe and Tom
We are so sorry to hear of Ellen´s passing. Losing a child is so devasting so we feel your pain
Ellen lived such a full active life for which you are extremely proud.
We are out of town but will be in touch
We send our love, prayers and deep condolences.
Love and God Bless

Ruth Ann and Elwood Williams

Marcy Perini

February 8, 2025

Oh, kind friend, patient mentor, former roommate, forever sister, lover of God, lover of His people... this world will be a much different place without you. You set the bar very high for the rest of us mortals, in demonstrating sacrificial love and selfless service to all who crossed your path. I am sure you received the long desired welcome, "Well done, good and faithful, humble and dedicated, one". You are dancing, whole, with your Lord. We who are left behind will miss your sense of humor; your passion; your adventurous, fearless spirit; and your indomitable nature. Nothing, nothing kept you down; nothing dissuaded you from carrying on your mission and calling; nothing stopped you from loving people. You have fulfilled Jesus' simple (but not easy) summary of the Law, to love Him, and love others. Thank-you for your love and example. Until we meet again, we will reflect fondly on so many memories made with you. And we'll remember your ready smile and infectious laugh. You absolutely changed all of us for good. Well done.

Paul DeCusati

February 8, 2025

Ellen is a dear, kind, person and a good sister in Christ. I recall one of the white-water rafting trips she organized down the Youg. A fantastic, first trip down the rapids that Ellen had arranged for a bunch of us students at the time, who were all in Maranatha. Ellen had some of the early home group meetings at her home, where we came for bible study and great fellowship. It is comforting to know that today she is enjoying that same fellowship again with dear friends from that time like Jane Tarbox Auhl and Cheryl Porter DeCusati who are there with her. We who are still here will miss Ellen's fun-sense of humor and joyful laugh.

Cathy Brown

February 8, 2025

To be with Jesus face to face is such a joy for Ellen, she taught many of us to love Him more. She will be missed! I look forward to seeing her again

Mark VanOuse

February 7, 2025

I've known Ellen more as an acquaintance, over many years. She was always kind, tender-hearted and truly loved the Lord and others. We will miss Ellen this side of heaven. My heart and prayers go out to her family and friends.

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