Obituary of Ellen Pauline Keating

Ellen Keating, 92, of Glastonbury and Rocky Hill, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Gaylord Hospital. She was born in Philadelphia on February 3, 1934, to the late Bernard and Pauline (Ernst) Biegert. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend who will be remembered for her love and kindness.

Ellen’s most cherished times were raising her daughters and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her five daughters, Cindy (David) Catherman of Colorado, Susan Bowhall of Tennessee, Sally Keating of Wethersfield CT, Nancy (Robert) Dickau of South Glastonbury CT, and Jen (Mark) Iacobucci of Florida. Ellen is also survived by her brother Karl, and his wife, Pat Biegert.

Ellen also leaves behind 13 grandchildren, Brandon (Ali) DeBenedet, Kyle (Sandra) DeBenedet, Alison (Andrew) Adams, Troy and Cody Bowhall, Pauline and Trevor Nyren, Ryan (Tara) Dickau, Kevin (Gwen) Dickau, Jordan (Cristina) Dickau, Kelly (Joe) O’Connor, Lucas and Ava Iacobucci; and 12 great-grandchildren, Clover, Lindy, Jett, Gavin, Wesley, Dakota, Addison, Vivian, Natalie, Halle, Gwen, and Hudson.

Ellen had many lifelong friends from her days growing up in Bala-Cynwyd, Pennsylvania. She attended Bryn Mawr Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in 1952 as a registered nurse. After raising her children, she returned to nursing part-time with a local doctor and later worked for many years at Salmon Brook Convalescent Home.    

In her free time Ellen enjoyed quilting, needlepointing, gardening, and knitting. Of these hobbies, she most enjoyed quilting and made many creative and beautiful quilts for her family. Ellen also enjoyed trips to Cape Cod, where she and her daughters enjoyed exploring gift shops and discovering special treasures. 

 For 20 years, Ellen was a “snowbird” spending winters in Florida with her long-time friend, Randy Toop, where they enjoyed numerous friendships, and nightly “sunset celebrations” overlooking the ocean. Ellen and Randy were also fortunate to explore many places around the country as well as vacation overseas. Ellen loved to travel and to celebrate her 90th birthday, her daughters took her on her first cruise. Her most recent trip was to Colorado last November, where she loved the quilting shops, princess parties, and seeing numerous elk herds.   

 A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 5:00 pm at Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury, with a visiting hour prior to the service from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. A memorial service and burial of ashes will take place at Calvary Cemetery in Villanova, PA on May 9, 2026, at 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the CT Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com.