Ellen Marie Yates, 82, of Landisville, passed away on Monday evening, March 11, 2024, at Lancaster General Hospital. She was the mother of Lorraine E. Keeley and the sister of James Raymond Stapleton of Florida. She was born in New York and was the daughter of the late Raymond Joseph and Blanche Marie Stapleton.
When Ellen was young, she and her brother would help her parents take care of children that were placed in their home under the guidance of Angel Guardian Homes. These children had special needs and would be lovingly cared for until proper placement could be found. Ellen’s Parents did an excellent job of taking care of the children and they were exemplary parents. Her father Ray, was a carpenter by trade and worked as a custodian for St. Clare's Church where he put his strong faith into action.
Ellen married in the early 60's and had a daughter, Lorraine whom she loved deeply. She worked for Social Security eventually becoming a US Customs Officer at JFK Airport where she remained for well over 30 years. Ellen loved to travel and had many adventures. She especially liked to take cruises with her daughter and son-in-law, Kevin.
A true empathetic soul, she would easily tear up at the plight of others. Ellen would lend an ear to those going through difficulty and be a prayer warrior for their cause. She was touched by the poverty within the Native American community, contributing to causes such as the Southwestern Indian Foundation purchasing stoves, food baskets, and other items. Ellen loved animals and animal rescue organizations, such as ORCA that help animals in urgent need.
When you would look into the beautiful blue eyes of Ellen, you could get a glimpse of the goodness contained in her soul. Her Catholic faith was strong and provided her guidance in all her actions. Ellen’s daughter Lorraine, meant the world to her. They were not only mother and daughter but best friends.
Ellen loved the music of Aaron Neville, going to Doo Wop reunions and plays. At home, she loved to listen to the music of the Backstreet Boys and even saw them in concert with her daughter Lorraine. It was good to hear her laugh at the comedy of Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau or the antics of Tim Conway and Harvey Korman on the Carol Burnett show.
Ellen’s dogs, Sophie, a Shih Tzu, and Riley, a Cairn Terrier, were a real joy to her. She always had rescue dogs in her life and would make sure that they were given everything they needed including that extra treat or two.
Ellen is survived by her daughter, Lorraine E. wife of Kevin Keeley, and her brother James Raymond and wife Josephine of Florida, in addition to her nephew Jim Stapleton Jr. and wife Jeanine, their children, Joseph, Josh, Julianna and niece Danielle and husband Lenny, their children Anthony and Lea.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2427 Marietta Avenue, Lancaster, PA 17601 on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. with the Rev. Peter Hahn, Celebrant. Burial will follow in Saint Joseph's New Roman Catholic Cemetery located at 175 Charles Rd, Lancaster, PA 17603. A visitation will be held between 9:00 a.m. to 10 a.m. to receive the family and pay respects. Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Southwest Indian Foundation, St. Joseph's Indian School, or the Organization for Responsible Care of Animals (ORCA).
