Maureen Ellis, 74, passed away Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at Forbes Regional Hospital, Monroeville, her loving husband, Gary, at her side. Maureen was as devoted to her family especially her four adorable grandchildren as she was to her beloved Pittsburgh Pirates and Pitt Panthers. Every family seems to have someone who is the glue that holds it together, someone who organizes the outings, takes charge of family gatherings and ensures that everyone has what they need. That was Maureen, and she did it with a smile and determination, especially when it involved the parents whom she revered, respected, and adored Sylvia and Leo. Maureen was born in Lincoln Place in 1949, in the same house where at least some or all of family lived until 2021. Her siblings Walter (Buddy) and John (Johnny to her) came along later. Together, they were obsessively devoted to their parents, in part because they were held together by the same steadfast bond, Maureen. Maureen's family ties were not limited to Fredanna Street, Lincoln Place. Whether it was the apartment in North Versailles, the first home on Haymaker Road, Monroeville, or the retreat that she and Gary built together in North Huntingdon, every place was surrounded by the unique decorations from her adventures, a vibrant yard filled with the plants Maureen loved tending and, of course, love. Her sons, Chris and Matt, came along soon enough to make each house a home. There was nothing more important to Maureen than family not ever her Pirates and Panthers, and her dedication as a Make-a-Wish volunteer but those who knew her best might say that Disney was a close second. There were countless trips with her children and grandkids, visiting at Christmas to see the decorations, the Disney Vacation Club that satisfied her passion for travel by sending her literally around the world, a Christmas tree in her home decorated with Disney ornaments, and of course the Food & Wine Festival. When it came to Disney, nobody was more of a kid at heart than Maureen. In addition to Maureen's love of family, she had an amazing group of friends, too numerous to list. A graduate of Allderdice High School, Maureen went on to earn her bachelor's degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh. She ran the preschool program at John Munhall Neighborhood House before becoming a beloved teacher at Mifflin Elementary School in Lincoln Place, where she taught for 32 years. Maureen is survived by her husband and best friend, Gary; and her sons, Chris (Carrie) and Matt (Allison); as well as her grandchildren, Connor, Charlotte, Sarah and Jesper; and brothers, Walter (Antoinette) and John (Corrine). She is predeceased by her parents, Sylvia and Leo Wdowiak; and great-grandparents, Victoria, and Sylvester Kmieciak. Donations to Make-A-Wish of Western Pennsylvania is encouraged in lieu of flowers. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Maureen from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday and from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesday in the OTT FUNERAL HOME INC., 805 Pennsylvania Ave., Irwin, 724 863-8900. Maureen's funeral service will immediately follow at Noon in the Ott Funeral Home Chapel. For online condolences/directions, visit us at
ottfuneralhome.com.
Published by Tribune Review from Oct. 15 to Oct. 16, 2023.