Ellen Marsha Katz

Ellen Marsha Katz passed away on the afternoon of Aug. 30, 2023, at the age of 76, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Ellen was born in East Stroudsburg on May 4, 1947, and was the daughter of the late Edward A. Katz and Rita E. Katz. Ellen graduated in 1965 from Stroudsburg High School and in 1972 from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

Ellen had a storied career that began in New York City, working on lighting for the Off-Broadway musical "Godspell." She then worked for various hotels in New York City, doing lighting for stage shows in a time when hotels had their own theaters. With her electrical background Ellen later trained at The Turner School in New York, and became a watch engineer. In 1986, she became the first female to be placed in charge of the physical plant of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. Several years later, Ellen was hired as an electrician and train inspector by the Metro North Railroad. Ellen finished her career, and retired from, the Home Depot in Manhattan, N.Y.

Ellen was a true Star Trek fan, and delighted in taking her younger family members to Star Trek conventions. She also loved all things entertainment, and never missed watching the Academy Awards, the Tonys or the Grammys. For many years, Ellen enjoyed attending first-run movies with her aunt, Dr. Paula Lambert, the two enjoying a dinner afterwards to critique what they watched.

Ellen also loved ceramics, and spent time volunteering at her good friend Jerry's ceramics studio. She delighted in making ceramic gifts for her family and friends, all of whom have a lovely collection of bowls and dishes courtesy of Ellen. Ellen enjoyed deep sea fishing, an activity she participated in with her brother, Michael and sister-in-law, Denise on many vacations to Florida (even though she got seasick every time she went out). Both of Ellen's sisters-in-law, Nora and Denise, opened their hearts and homes to Ellen through the years and all of us will miss her immensely.

Ellen's greatest passion was children. She was a wonderful aunt to her niece, Amanda, in Brooklyn, N.Y.; and her nephew, Noah, in Old Forge, Pa. There is nothing she enjoyed more than being called on as a babysitter for her great nieces and nephews, Connor, Allegra and Nora, of Brooklyn; and Kevin and Emmie, of Old Forge. Ellen loved spending time with her sister-in-law, Nora Katz, and her extended family in Old Forge, Pa.

Ellen will be missed by her brother, Michael Katz and wife, Denise, of Stroudsburg; her niece, Amanda Katz Morgano and husband, John Morgano, of Brooklyn, N.Y.; her great-nieces and nephew, Connor, Allegra and Nora; and her nephew, Noah Katz and wife, Dana, of Old Forge; along with great-nephew and niece, Kevin and Emmie. She is also survived by her aunt, Dr. Paula Lambert; and a large and loving extended family.

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, at the William H. Clark Funeral Home, 1003 Main St., Stroudsburg. Burial will follow in the Temple Israel Cemetery, Middle Smithfield Twp.

Memorial remembrances may be made to the charity of choice in her memory.

www.wmhclarkfuneralhome.com