Ellen Olive Delaney

Ellen was born in Orange and raised in Secaucus by Robert and Eleanor Delaney. Ellen graduated from Secaucus High School and attended William Paterson University. Prior to her illness, Ellen was employed as an office manager in New York City. Most of her career was spent working on Wall Street as an assistant to traders. Ellen also worked abroad in both London and Dublin, which she so enjoyed.

Ellen was truly the definition of a beauty, inside and out. She was fierce, but extremely kind, and was well known for her extreme generosity. She had many circles of friends throughout her life, wherever she went. Ellen would strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere, regardless of background or pedigree, and would make them leave feeling happy and appreciated. She had a unique way of making everyone feel loved, accepted and comfortable, which is a quality that isn’t plentiful in this world. Her kindness and generosity were her trademarks.

Ellen was a faithful Roman Catholic. She was a parishioner at the Immaculate Conception Church in Secaucus, and also attended mass at the Catholic Community of Saints Peter and Paul in Hoboken. She had a particular devotion for Saint Padre Pio, known for his adoration for charity and love for people. Ellen could frequently be seen making the sign of the cross, blessing whomever needed it in her path.

Everyone who knew Ellen knew that she lived her life to the fullest, and that she did it “her way.” Ellen most loved life while traveling, going to concerts and museums, eating good food, shopping, going to the salon, listening to music, and spending time with her friends and family. She so enjoyed her travels abroad throughout Italy, Spain, Greece, Great Britain, Ireland, Dubai, the Caribbean, and at home in New York City and her beloved city of Hoboken.

Ellen had an insatiable appetite and a great love for food, especially authentic Italian food. And she was quite the critic! Ellen was a very particular and persistent person... about everything and anything.

Among Ellen’s favorites: Bono and U2 , The Breakfast Club movie, Italy, Italian food, apple turnovers, Biggies, Blimpies, Shooters, martinis, tulips, Pepsi, Wise barbecue potato chips, LaVazza coffee.

Even as a young child, Ellen had style. She had such a beautiful smile and charismatic personality. She was always so full of life and kept her sense of humor through it all, because that’s just who she was. Even when going to medical appointments and treatments, Ellen wore her signature scarf, sunglasses, and lipstick. She never complained while she was ill, in fact she would rather ask about others. She could always be heard saying “please” and “thank you.” She was a kind soul to her very last breath. Not many of us can say we would have such strength and resolve. The world truly lost a beautiful gem, in a world like today that it could not afford to lose. Heaven gained a beautiful angel.

Ellen was sadly predeceased by her parents, her devoted father Robert (affectionately known to Ellen as Rowdy Bob), and her loving mother Eleanor Delaney. Ellen is survived by: her loving brother Timmy, his wife Susanne, and her adored nephew Jake, whom she talked about all the time; her beloved Aunts and uncles Joan and Bill Sturmfels; and Mary and Ed Roth and many loving cousins who will miss her deeply. Ellen is also survived by her “dream team” of lifelong friends and ultimate caretakers (“Team Delaney”), who loved her, cared for her, and advocated for her fiercely, and will remain heartbroken until we meet again: Grace Settembre, Rose Corea, Cathy Cipriano-Palmieri, Dawn Leon Costantino, Vicki Pappalardo, Janine Hegel, Dara Hochstadter, and Nicole Rocco; as well as many adoring friends and colleagues who loved her and spent time with her. We are thankful for all of the love and support shown by so many of you, too many to even mention, who sat at Ellen’s side and comforted her during her illness. You were so appreciated by her.

All are invited to a Celebration of Ellen’s Beautiful Life on Monday, February 3, 2020, from 6:00-9:00pm, at La Reggia in Secaucus. There will be a Catholic Funeral mass on Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at 9:30 am at Immaculate Conception Church in Secaucus. Interment will take place immediately following at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ellen’s memory can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html