Ellen Stanzione

Ellen "Auntie Ellen" Stanzione, nee Smith, treasured sister, friend, mother, passed away on April 13th, 2025, surrounded by those who loved her most.

To know Ellen was to know the joy of the little things: a cold glass of lemonade, the perfect greeting card, the sound of birds singing. She had a gift for noticing beauty in small moments—flowers in bloom, a shiny pebble on the beach, the feel of the sun on her skin.

Ellen loved poking around thrift shops, garage sales, and craft fairs. Her love for music spanned generations—from The Beatles and Simon & Garfunkel to the Backstreet Boys. She adored her cats, delighted in creating crafts and silly games for the children in her life, and was always ready for a day out.

Her heart was enormous, and it held many: her sisters, Nancy and Cindy, with whom she shared countless laughs and good times—including an amazing lunch this past summer at the Culinary Institute of America—her beloved friend Deb, with whom she shared years of laughter, road trips, and memories; her loyal and loving friend Anita, who stood by her side with unwavering support; and her treasured nieces Erika, Carly, and Hayley, who knew her as their magical Mary Poppins.

Ellen also shared a very special relationship with her niece Laura. Their time together was filled with fun, laughter, and genuine connection. Whether they were being silly, talking for hours, or playing with Baby the chicken, the bond between Ellen and Laura was something rare and deeply cherished.

Ellen was also a beloved figure to Vincent, Barbara, Myron, Sue, Kris and Annette, and so many others who felt the joy of her presence.

When Ellen married, she embraced her role as a mother to Chris with her whole heart. The loving spirit she brought to that relationship carried over into everything she did. Whether they were making oobleck, cooking side by side, or just talking, Ellen’s nurturing presence made their home a place of comfort and fun. She didn’t just show love—she lived it, in every small act.

Helping children to become more independent in her career as an occupational therapist brought her a sense of deep fulfillment. She gave her whole heart to her work, just as she did with everything in life. Ellen especially loved her most recent job, working with children with special needs—it brought her tremendous joy and purpose.

Ellen’s last sweet taste on this earth was her favorite treat—Brew Ha-Ha ice cream from Stewart’s—a perfect ending for someone who found happiness in the most delightful details.

She will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in the love she gave, the laughter she shared, and the small, shining joys she taught all of us to notice.