Ellamae Magnan

Ellamae (Ellie) Magnan of South Kortright, NY, passed away peacefully and gracefully on November 26, 2025, in her home, surrounded by her loved ones. She was 91.

Ellie was born in Jersey City, NJ, to Alexander and Margaret Spence on October 28, 1934. She graduated from Bergenfield High School and later worked for the Mutual Life Insurance Company of New York. In 1954, she met the love of her life, Donald J. Magnan, in New York City, and the two were married on February 5, 1955.

They began their family in 1957 and, a few years later, moved to South Kortright, where they built the home Ellie cherished and lived in for the rest of her life. She worked for the Allen Residential Center for 25 years before retiring. They also owned Magnan Meat Distributor and The Coach Lamp.

Ellie treated every person and resident at the “Boys School” with the same compassion and warmth she offered to everyone she knew—especially the friends of her children and grandchildren. Everyone knew they could come to the Magnan’s for a warm meal, a listening ear, or a place to stay.

She and Donny never missed a game, concert, or event at SKCS; a tradition she proudly continued for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ellie always knew where everyone was and what they were doing, right up until the very end.

Ellie was known for her unwavering devotion to her family, her generous heart, and her quiet strength. She created a warm and welcoming home where countless memories were made—holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, and simple days made special by her presence. She was Mom or Grandma Ellie to everyone.

The highlight of her final year was being matron of honor, speaker and witness to her great-granddaughter, Lila and great-grandson-in-law, Charlie’s marriage.

She is survived by her children, Mary (Barry) Magnan Hendee, Michael (Gina) Magnan, Joseph Magnan and Thomas (Robin) Magnan; grandchildren, Jennifer (Timothy) Shafer, Benjamin (Lisa) Magnan, Nicholas (Shanda) Hendee, Chad (Heather) Magnan, Jamie Jo (Scott) Smith, Ashley (Jonathan) Silano-Moore, Adam (Morgan) Magnan, Brian Magnan, Tyler Magnan, Alex Magnan and Laureli Magnan; great-grandchildren, Hannah Jane Shafer (Vinny), Akyra Olsen (Isiah), Joseph Shafer (Alina), Lila Sofia (Charlie) Shafer Kuhn, Paisley Smith, Ellieana Silano, Myles Magnan, Piper Smith, Emmett Magnan, Mark Silano III, Frank Silano, Wyatt Moore, Abram Magnan, Harper Magnan, Willa Magnan, Evelyn Moore and great-great grandchildren Raef and Rex. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Debbie (Greg) Owen, David (Cathy) Plate, Jeanne (Kevin) Martin, Barry (Kathleen) Spence, David Spence, Lori (David) Sokoloski and her very special cousin, Arlene Baccaglini.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Donny, her parents, Alexander and Margaret, her brother, Allerton, her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Nicholas and Geraldine, her brothers-in-law, Jack and Fred, and sisters-in-law Delores, Diane & Lorelle, and her niece, Carolyn.

A very special thank you to Peggy Coager, for always being our steadfast source of love, strength, and knowledge. To Marlene Reed for going above and beyond with her kindness and friendship, to Joyce Kosier for visiting with her every day, and to Samantha Roupp for guiding us through the hardest moments.

A celebration of Ellie’s life will be held at the South Kortright Community Church on December 20, 2025 at 10am, where family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and honor the remarkable woman she was.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the South Kortright Fire Department and Heart of the Catskills Humane Society in Ellamae’s memory.

Ellie will be remembered for her grace, her kindness, her wise advice, and the love she gave so freely. Her family finds peace in knowing she is reunited with her husband, Donny, and that her legacy will live on in all who were blessed to know her.