Ellyn MacConnell

Ellyn MacConnell, age 81, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025, surrounded by her immediate family, after a courageous two-year battle against leukemia.

Born on October 26, 1943, in Medina, NY, to Irene and Al Keller, Ellyn was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend. Ellyn graduated from Medina High School in 1961 and went on to study opera and elementary education at SUNY Potsdam, where she graduated in 1965. Her love for teaching children defined her career as a kindergarten teacher at Royalton Hartland Central School, where she dedicated 32 years to nurturing young minds. Ellyn's enthusiasm for Broadway musicals shone brightly as she directed high school musicals at Royalton Hartland for many years. She also adapted musicals for her kindergarten classes to perform, igniting a passion for the arts in her students. Ellyn had a talent for baking, particularly during the Christmas season when she made numerous kinds of cookies to share with family and friends. When Greg served as VP of Student Affairs at Niagara County Community College, she generously baked cookies for over 10 departments.

In 2004, Ellyn and her husband Greg moved to Austin, TX, to be closer to their grandchildren, Noah and Olivia. She relished her time taking them to swimming lessons, playing at the park and taking them on wagon rides. Ellyn was their biggest cheerleader, supporting them in sports, fencing lessons, and ballet performances in the Nutcracker at the Houston Ballet.

Ellyn's creativity extended to renovating a 1952 family cottage on Lake Ontario in Barker, NY. She loved to tend to her gardens and prized hydrangeas. In Austin, she led a committee in the HOA to decorate the community entrances at Christmas with lights, garlands and ribbons, always encouraging volunteers with freshly baked cookies. Ellyn's daughters, Melissa and Katie, were her pride and joy. She believed in their potential and encouraged them to achieve success through hard work and determination. Ellyn was married to her loving husband, Greg, for 42 years, together building a foundation for a successful and happy life.

Ellyn is survived by her husband, Greg MacConnell; daughters, Melissa Henshaw of Alexandria, VA, and Katie Lisiecki of Lockport, NY; grandchildren, Noah Henshaw of Arlington, VA and Olivia Henshaw of Alexandria, VA; sisters in-law, Claudia Frisch and Marcia Davidson; brother in-law, Lloyd Davidson; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her mother, Irene White; father, Al Keller; stepfather, Roland White; brother, Wayne Keller; sister in-law, Sandra Keller; and brother in-law, Lynn Frisch.

Ellyn MacConnell's legacy will be cherished by her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched. Her warmth, kindness, and unwavering support will be dearly missed.

Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 15 from 10AM-12PM at Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. Her funeral service will immediately follow at 12PM and interment will be in Boxwood Cemetery.