Ellen Cassidy Pattison

Ellen Cassidy Pattison, lovingly known as "Sweet Pea" to her mother, passed away on October 22, 2024, at the age of 38. Born on April 27, 1986, Ellen brought love, kindness, and humor into the lives of those around her. Known for her sweetness and generosity, she grew up to be a loving and compassionate adult who touched many lives.

Ellen loved lunch dates with her dad and New Orleans food, especially crawfish and roast beef po-boys. Appropriately born on the first Sunday of Jazz Fest, she requested boiled crawfish and Fest tickets every year for her birthday.

Ellen’s passions were many. She found joy in baking cupcakes, sharing treats with friends and family, and she delighted in spending time with her nieces and nephews, leading them in imaginative science experiments. Her favorite movie, The Goonies, inspired her love for friends and her belief in championing those facing challenges, making her a fierce advocate for kindness and justice. Her beloved pets, a dog Sherlock and a cat Duchess Miss Priss, were a constant source of joy. During her illness and many nights in the hospital, she found comfort in the visits of therapy dogs, whose gentle presence brought her peace and joy.

Ellen is survived by her parents, Julianne S. and Terrance A. Pattison, and three sisters: Olivia Pattison (John Burns), Sarah P. Ayala (Cesar), and Laura Pattison (Lee Banks), who will carry her memory close to their hearts. She is also survived by six nieces and nephews: Alexandra (Alex), Elizabeth (Betty), and Clara Burns, Noah and Julian Ayala, and Grayson Banks. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Thomas and Lizetta Gerhardt Pattison and Homer and Ollene Smith.

Ellen’s spirit will live on in the laughter of her loved ones, the sweetness of a shared cupcake, and the love she freely gave to her family, friends, and pets. A celebration of Ellen’s life will be held Saturday, November 2, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 1130 N. Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70116. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m.

Ellen’s favorite color was pink and she loved butterflies, the symbol for transplant patients. Guests may celebrate her by choosing to wear pink or butterfly symbols at the service. Funeral arrangements are made by Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home in Metairie. A link to Ellen’s obituary is at www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/12042994.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are encouraged to a charity of choice, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church (www.frenchquarterumc.org), or the Visiting Pet Program of New Orleans (www.visitingpetprogram.org).