"Mary, John & family, I'm so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. I truly enjoyed her conversations at the front desk at Meadowmere and her beautiful voice. I can close my eyes and hear her say, "Hi Honey!". I wanted to say Thank You so much for sharing her with us. Keeping you and Ellen in my prayers! Sue Butschlick. "
In loving memory of
Ellen Mabel Scalissi
June 19, 1921 - January 1, 2016
Ellen Scalissi, age 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 1st, 2016 at Meadowmere Assisted Living in Mequon, WI. Ellen was born to Charles and Mabel Chandler in Waukesha on June 19th, 1921. She grew up in Woodruff and Minoqua, WI. Growing up in the North Woods, Ellen formed a deep appreciation for nature and animals. Ellen married John Scalissi on May 8, 1943 in Columbia, S.C. where John was stationed at Fort Jackson while serving in World War II. Together they raised three children, Gloria, Mary Ellen and John. Ellen's "'life journey" includes a long and successful career as an interior decorator with Town & Country Interiors in Madison. In addition to appreciating Ellen's talents and style in decorating, many of her clients became longtime friends. During their 50+ years of marriage Ellen and John forged lasting and meaningful friendships throughout their community. Ellen was a gracious hostess; making people feel welcomed and comfortable. Family and friends share many fond memories of enjoyable "get-togethers" at Ellen and John's home. Ellen is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John, and her sisters, Cleo and Edith. She is survived by her daughters, Gloria McPherson of Carmel, CA., Mary Ellen (Lee) Jost of Cedarburg; son, John G. (Linda) Scalissi of Fitchburg; seven grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express thanks to Khine Hline (May), Grandma Ellen's care giver. And add special appreciation to granddaughter Jo Ellen for the extra care, time, and companionship she gave to Grandma.
Visitation will be from 10-11:30 AM on Friday, January 8, 2016 at the Cress Center, 6021 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 with a memorial service beginning at 11:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to the Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance, 517 N Segoe Rd #301, Madison, WI 53705.
Cress Center 6021 University Avenue Madison, WI 53075 608-238-8406
Tributes
"Mary Ellen,, Please accept my belated sincere and deepest sympathy in the passing of your beloved mother. Would like you to contact me so I can share fond memories from the past. Catherine Tripalin Murray 1421 Wyldewood Dr. Madison 53704 greenbush4@aol.com"
"My sympathy to Ellen's family. She will be missed by all, as she was loved by all. Dianne Polacheck "
"Gloria, Mary, John and all of your families our deepest sympathy and condolences to all of you. As you all know Gloria and I have been friends for many years. The many U of W football games, and holiday parties as part of the family. Ellen touched many lives over the years, and she lived a good life, and touched my life in a very special way as a second Mother. So now we say goodbye dear Ellen with a grieving heart but do know she will have our dear Lord's light shine eternally upon her. With Love and Prayers Annette & Dick de Lorimier and family."
"Ellen will be missed, we were happy to have known her and enjoyed seeing her at gatherings at John & Linda's house. Thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Scalissi family. With Love, Jamie & Hershel Miller"