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Ellen Galanis Obituary
July 28, 1959 - May 29, 2025
Devoted wife, extraordinary mother, adoring grandmother, loving sister, and cherished friend-was born on July 28, 1959, and died peacefully on May 29, 2025, surrounded by the family she loved so passionately. She now lives joyfully in the eternal presence of God and her parents, Mary Ellen and Randall Egan.
Ellen was the beloved wife and partner in life of John Galanis. She was the proud and nurturing mother of Kelly Galanis Roberts (Chris Roberts), Stephen Galanis (Christian Vasquez), and Elizabeth Galanis, and the fun, ever-present, endlessly loving "GramE Bunny" to her treasured grandchildren: Kate Roberts, Caroline Roberts, and John Roberts. She was the dear sister of Rob Egan (Vicky Egan), Tom Egan (Judy Egan), and Kathleen Egan (Mike Merrells), and a cherished aunt, sister-in-law, and cousin to a large and loving extended family. Ellen was a radiant source of love and laughter to everyone she touched, including many lifelong friends.
To know Ellen was to know joy. Her love was bold, abundant, generous, and unconditional. Her greatest pride and purpose in life was her family. She often said her life's work was raising her children-and she did so with unmatched grace, fierce devotion, and an unshakable presence. She coached soccer games, planned school events, sat in the front row at every recital and graduation, and made every ordinary moment feel extraordinary. In recent years, she returned to coaching-this time for her grandchildren-and nothing made her heart fuller.
Ellen was a woman of deep Catholic faith, and it guided everything she did. She attended Saint Louis University, where she studied nursing, and although her career in medicine was brief, her instinct to care for others never dimmed. Helping, healing, and nurturing were at the very core of who she was.
But Ellen was more than a mother and grandmother-she was electric. She was a dancing queen, a diva in the best way, magnetic, funny, and gloriously full of life. She lit up every room she entered. She loved hosting parties, traveling with her family, playing pickleball, attending book club, cheering loudest from the sidelines, and making ordinary days sparkle. She had the gift of gab, made friends everywhere she went, and left each person better than she found them.
Ellen made being a mother an art form-she made it look effortless, joyful, and sacred. She gave her family everything: her time, her energy, her strength, her faith, her wisdom, her endless heart. Her children and grandchildren were her whole world, and they will carry her love and legacy in everything they do.
Ellen's life was a radiant example of what it means to love fully, live joyfully, and give yourself completely to the people you hold dearest. Her legacy lives on in the family she built and the countless lives she touched.
We love you always and forever, Ellen, Mom, GramE Bunny. Thank you for the life you gave us and the love that will never leave us.
Services: Visitation will be held at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin on Thursday, June 5th from 4-8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will take place at Ascension Catholic Church, Chesterfield, on Friday, June 6th at 10:00 a.m. followed by a reception at Annie Gunn's from 11:00 a.m. - 3 p.m.
If desired, donations may be made in Ellen's memory to the St. Louis Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired, an organization close to her heart. Friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Galanis
James Deshotels
July 22, 2025
Remembering her in my prayers. Prayers for Dr Galanisand family
James M Deshotels, SJ
June 17, 2025
remembering Mrs Galanis in my prayers and at the altar. Trusting she's found rest 'where the light of God's face shines'. Her family and loved ones are especially in my prayers these days.+
Marilyn Hanish
June 10, 2025
To the Beloved Family of Ellen Galanis,
I am heartbroken over the loss of my dear friend, Ellen. She left this world far too soon, and the ache of her absence is profound. I can hardly believe she has left the earth and now sees the face of God.
Ellen welcomed me into a treasured friendship, one for which I will always be deeply grateful. Her kindness was as radiant as her beautiful smile, and I always looked forward to seeing her on the pickleball court—she brought warmth and light wherever she went.
To her children: you were the absolute joy of her life. Her love for you ran deep and wide. Her devotion to her husband was unwavering. Family was everything to Ellen, and she lived that love out loud every single day.
I will miss this gentle, kind soul more than words can say. She made me a better person just by being in my life.
May God bless you all and hold you close. I pray every sweet memory you have of your wife, your mom, and your grandmother will surround you with the love she so freely gave. She would want nothing less.
With my deepest sympathy and love,
Marilyn Hanish
Bill Schiller
June 10, 2025
John & Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I hope the memories of the wonderful life you had guide and comfort you.
Janet Creath
June 10, 2025
Dear Dr. Galaxies, I'm so very sorry to learn of the passing of your dear wife. I recall meeting Ellen at Delta Gamma Center's super hero Run for Sight event several years ago. Such a beautiful "Wonder Woman"! Although I've been retired from DGC two years come this August, I've not forgotten Team Galanis Gang.
Your steadfast generosity and compassion for children with visual impairments was inspirational. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers.
With deepest sympathy,
Janet Creath
Steve & Karen Stetz
June 8, 2025
The “Obituary” describes Ellen as well as anyone could. A heart of gold, a friendly hand, a warm smile; a treasured neighbor who will be missed dearly. Everyone’s life Ellen passed she made them better.
May God take this special person into His arms. She was the first neighbor to greet and welcome us to the neighborhood.
Love
Steve & Karen Stetz
John and Elizabeth Budd
June 6, 2025
We are so saddened to learn of Ellen's passing. She was a special person and will be dearly missed. Our deepest condolences to you John, and to your entire family at this difficult time.
John and Elizabeth
David Wallace
June 6, 2025
So sorry to hear of Ellen's passing. I am also sorry I won't make it to any of the services. Our thoughts and prayers are with John and family.
June 5, 2025
I was saddened to read about Ellen’s passing. Been a patient of Dr.Galanis for many years and we had many conversations about our families and I know that Ellen was a wonderful woman.
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Galanis family.
Waltraud Sansoucie
Paul Tesser
June 5, 2025
John-
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved wife, Ellen. May her memory forever remain as a blessing.
Carolyn and Mike Ridenhower
June 5, 2025
Mike and I were shocked and saddened to see notice of Ellen’s passing in the Post Dispatch. Some of the most enjoyable years of our lives were when Mike worked with so many wonderful people at the Bethesda Eye Institute. His customer relationships quickly turned into some of our most cherished long-term friendships. Ellen’s beautiful smile, her energy, always positive, always fun to be with whether we were marking milestone events together, traveling together, dinners, BBQ’s, sporting events. As spectators, Cardinal professional baseball and footfall games never quite transferred successes to the record of our very amateur softball team, but the wonderful times, over decades, watching each other’s families grow have given us memories that stay with us to this day. Our hearts are broken. We send love and strength to everyone, who like us, is trying to deal with losing such a great person. Ellen will be missed.
Most sincerely,
Carolyn and Mike Ridenhower
R.William Morris, MD
June 5, 2025
John:
Our heartfelt sympathies to you and your family for the loss of an incredible woman.
May God bless Ellen and all of you in her memory.
Love,
Dr. Bill and Louise Morris
Katie Fischer
June 5, 2025
My deepest sympathies for your family. Mrs. Galanis was always encouraging on and off and soccer field-I remember her taking me out to dinner a few times when my parents were late picking me up from practice. She always made me feel welcomed and special.
Praying for your peace and comfort
Paige Salmon
June 5, 2025
My deepest sympathies for your loss. I am grateful of my childhood memories — Ellen was always a source of light and laughter.
Stephanie Faron
June 5, 2025
Please accept our deepest sympathy on the loss of your mother. She was a truly wonderful person and an exceptional room mother. She had such a special way with the children, and your classroom always had the most wonderful parties. I feel truly fortunate to have shared those moments with her.
There was only one Ellen in this world, and she had a heart of gold!
Unfortunately ,we are in Italy and will not be able to attend services. Please know that our thoughts are you.
Patty Lumban
June 4, 2025
I never had the honor to meet you and your family. But Stephen spoke so highly about you and the closeness you both shared. Please accept my sincere condolences. Your love will always be felt in the hearts of your family and friends.
Terrie Rolwes
June 4, 2025
My deepest sympathies to all of Ellen's family, especially her husband, children and grandchildren who we talked about every time we saw each other. Her love for life and for her family defined her. She was an intelligent, strong, determined and very funny lady who I got to know while being her pickleball coach. She loved pickleball and wanted to master the game. She would challenge me, surprise me with her incredible strength and thank me for her improved games.
A light has gone out on this earth with her passing. May she fly with the angels and may her spirit live on through all who she loved and who loved her so much. We miss you Ellen!!
Laurie Marshall
June 4, 2025
We've known each other since we were kids. I loved spending time with Ellen as adults and sharing adventures of our families together. I thought we had more of those in our future and I am deeply sad to lose her. I thank Eileen for bringing us close as adults.
I am sending so much love to the whole Galanis family at this terribly sad time. May her memory bring you much more joy for having had her.
with very very much love,
Laurie Marshall
Lois Noel
June 4, 2025
I´m so sorry for your loss. I was a patient of Dr. Galanis and just wanted you to know you´re in my thoughts and prayers.
Humeyra Karacal
June 4, 2025
Dear Dr. Galanis,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I wish sharing the sorrow would ease your pain. May she rest in peace!
Larry Davis
June 4, 2025
John and family,
We're so sorry for your loss. May you find God's peace in the days ahead. Larry and Janice Davis
Michael and Mary Burke
June 4, 2025
We're very sorry to read of Ellen's death. Dr. Galanis has been our ophthalmologist for 25 years, and we know how important his family is to him. Our deepest sympathy for his and his family's loss.
Vicki Ritts
June 4, 2025
I didn't know Ellen well, but we talked at Kate's softball and soccer games. Her love and devotion to her family was amazing. My thoughts are with all of you.--Vicki Ritts (Amy and B's aunt)
michael isserman
June 4, 2025
John Michele and I are so sorry and send our sympathy. We are thinking of you. I really only knew Ellen from pickleball but she was great ro be around. We will be with you in our thoughts on friday(out of town) Michael and Michelle
Kathleen Bauer
June 3, 2025
Your obituary of Ellen is so beautifully spot on...and a wonderful read. Having the joy of a front row seat in watching her love Kate, Caroline and John is something I will always cherish and remember. Her love for them was contagious and evident...May God's grace & peace surround you as you grieve and celebrate simultaneously...With love...Kathleen
Cindy Zimmerman
June 3, 2025
I was a classmate/ friend of Ellen’s in nursing school at SLU. Eileen G. had informed me that she had gone into the hospital. You all have been on my thoughts and prayers since. May God wrap his arms around your family now and bring you strength and comfort and may Ellen rest in peace.
Linda Kwiatek
June 3, 2025
I loved Ellen. She was the kindest and one of the most thoughtful people i have ever met. We will all miss her . My deepest condolences to the family
Paul Bayless
June 3, 2025
I am so sorry to hear this news. I knew Ellen as a young girl growing up on Lindell. She was a wonderful person, from a very wonderful family. My prayers go out to her and her family. Rest in peace Ellen.
Sheri Strauss
June 3, 2025
May your faith in God get you through this time. Ellen was a very special person. She lifted all of us with her joy.
Walter Lamkin
June 3, 2025
I send wishes for comfort to all of the family and to Elizabeth, whom I know well. I was touched by how much alike Elizabeth and Ellen look and the joy of memories that will always stay with you. Always remember, Ellen is not really gone. She has simply gone ahead. May she rest in a beautiful peace while she looks down upon you.
Kate Hayn
June 3, 2025
There is not a word I would change in this tribute except to say I wish I had lived closer to share more time with her. She was an exceptional person and a large presence in my daughter’s life, making her friendship with Kelly over the years even more special. She will be missed by more people than you will ever know.
Jan Clark
June 3, 2025
John and Family,
Sending our deepest condolences. Ellen has left a legacy of love. You are all in our hearts.
Dan and Jan
Pablo Carreon
June 3, 2025
Stephen & Christian,
I am truly sorry for your loss. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you need anything. Sending you all love and strength.
Pablo Carreon
Nikki Kelly
June 3, 2025
My heart goes out to Kelly & John and the Galanis family. Your mom was a beautiful soul, Kelly—always with a warm smile and a laugh that could light up any room. Though her passing brings sorrow, we can take comfort in knowing she is no longer suffering. Her deep faith has carried her home, and she is now at peace, one with God. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered from many.
Stephan Schomberg
June 3, 2025
As a person who only spent one day with Ellen and her beautiful family it was so clear to me how special she was to everyone. Her joy for life, her thoughtfulness of others, and her love of family was part of her DNA. She made me feel part of this that day and I was greatful for having met her and was hoping to spend more time with her and her wonderful family. Now I wish and pray that her family can somehow recover from this loss. Love and prayers Stephan
Catherine Leahy
June 3, 2025
Sincere Sympathy to John, Kelly, Stephen,Elizabeth and the extended Galanis and Egan families on the loss of Ellen. I have fond memories of Ellen's family trips to Ireland over the years. May Ellen Rest in Peace. Thinking of you all.
Mary Murphy
June 3, 2025
My deepest and sincerest condolences to the entire Galanis family. While I never had the pleasure of meeting Mrs Galanis, I have known Dr Galanis professionally for more than 30 years, and wanted to reach out and express my deepest sympathies. All of you are in my prayers.
Matt Borgard
June 3, 2025
John and Family, deepest condolences on Ellen´s passing. I know she was truly loved by so many. My heart goes out to you especially, John, as an OLS grade school friend and teammate. Godspeed Ellen.
Matt Borgard
Downers Grove, IL
Jimmy Leahy
June 3, 2025
Deepest sympathies to John and all the family at this difficult time . May Ellen rest in peace
Rick Roberts
June 2, 2025
My heartfelt sympathies go out to John, Kelly, Steven, and Elizabeth during this difficult time. I find comfort knowing Ellen is at peace, watching closely over her beloved family and friends.
Karen Ziegler
June 2, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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