Ellen A. LaRose

Ellen A. LaRose, formerly of Garden City, died on January 28th after a short illness. Her husband, Robert, to whom she was married for 54 years, survives her. She was blessed with a large family: Daughter Lynn Cina, her husband Peter and two children Eric and Rachel of Londonderry, NH. Son Bob and his wife Mary and their children Chris, Elizabeth and Margaret of Edwardsville, Illinois. Son Rich and his wife Cindy and children David, Meredith, Michael and Thomas from Cranford, N.J. Son Peter and his wife Eileen, living in Garden City with their children Zachary, Scott, Samamtha, and Danny. Daughter Cathy Reers and her husband Rob, of Glen Rock, NJ and daughters Kelly, Emily and Lauren. Daughter Christine predeceased her. Her brother George Jones and wife Mildred reside in Palos Verdes, California. Her sister Catherine Jones lives in Dahlonega, Ga.

Born in Manhattan, NY on July 1, 1926 to Irish Immigrants parents, Ellen was the oldest of three siblings. She graduated from Washington Irving High School in New York. She worked for a major accounting firm in NYC. While vacationing in the Catskills she met her husband Bob, a WW-2 veteran. Bob and Ellen were married in May of 1950. They made a home in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn. Four children were born in Brooklyn before they moved to Long Island. Two more children were born after the move, completing a busy family life. The couple were devout member of the Holy Spirit Church in New Hyde Park, and St. Thomas More Church in Breezy Point. Ellen was a member of the Rosary Society and the Columbiettes. She attended Nassau Community College. All her children attended Catholic schools and graduated from college because of their mother’s enduring support and belief in education.

The couple later moved to Euston Road in Garden City. They also enjoyed a second home at Breezy Point, NY. Summer at the beach with sixteen grandchildren visiting made many happy memories for Ellen. Ellen loved Breezy so much that the couple moved there full time in 2004. Ellen volunteered in both the Garden City and Breezy communities. In Garden City she was the Captain of F.I.S.H. organizing volunteer drivers to take senior patients to their doctors for regular appointments. She drove seniors for F.I.S.H. as well, always available to help someone needing a ride. Ellen volunteered to drive meals to seniors for the Meals on Wheels Program at Breezy Point.

Ellen was a part of the McDonald’s owner/operator community for over 25 years, helping her husband in his restaurant franchise business. She felt strongly about helping the Ronald McDonald House in New Hyde Park, next to LIJ Children’s Hospital. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donationsbe sent to the Ronald McDonald House, Union Tpke. and 268th Street in New Hyde Park, NY, 11040. Ellen was beloved by her husband and family and will be deeply missed.