Ellen Rositer Kennedy

Winterville, N.C. Ellen Rositer Kennedy, age 76, of Painesville, OH, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025, at her daughter Laura’s residence in Winterville, N.C. Born on October 3, 1948, in Conneaut, OH. Ellen was the beloved wife of the late Robert Costelo of Painesville. She was a loving and devoted mother to William H. (Lori) Kennedy IV and Laura M. (Robert Bright) Kennedy. Ellen was a cherished grandmother to Jacob and Elijah Kennedy, Ella and Annalie Niskanen and Jackson Bright. 

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Horace and Louise Beers Rositer, her sisters Joanne Rositer Ferl, Nancy Rositer Savel, and brother Daniel Rositer. She is survived by her sister Sally Rositer Pollard.

A 1966 graduate of Conneaut High School, she also attended Mt Sinai School of Nursing in Cleveland, OH, University of Texas in Austin, TX, and earned a master's degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. At Conneaut, High School she was a member of the Honor Society, a cheerleader and choir member for three years. She was an active member of the EUB Church.  After return to Conneaut, she was a dedicated member of the NEW LEAF United Methodist Church and valuable volunteer of the LEAF Project and the D-Day Ohio organization. She served as a US Army Nurse Practitioner reaching the rank of Major and being recalled to active duty during Operation Desert Shield/Storm.

Ellen valued her recovery journey and was devoted to aiding others in their community recovery. 

Family and friends are invited to calling hours from 1:30 PM to 3 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life at 3 PM on May 10th, 2025, at New Leaf Event Center, Conneaut, OH.

In lieu of flowers, the family recommends making memorial donations to the Conneaut Food Pantry. Condolences can be expressed on the Marcy Funeral webpage at www.marcyfuneralhome.com.

Ellen will be profoundly missed and remembered with great affection by her family and friends.

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