Ellen McClellan had a Dominican heart her entire life.  The sisters taught her in her hometown of Spalding, Nebraska.  Two of her first cousins are are own Joan Dunning, OP and Roberta Anne Semper, OP.  She attended Siena College in Memphis, Tennessee, and it was there that she met her husband, Bob.  Bob was in the military and a student at the Southern College of Optometry.  They eventually settled in Bardstown, Kentucky, where they have lived for the past 42 years and have raised three children, Joanie, Robbie and Lee.  Ellen and her husband worked together in his practice until his retirement last year.

Fr. Jim Graf called Ellen, "a woman with a flair" during her funeral liturgy at St. Joseph Basilica.  She loved music and writing.  How appropriate that just as she sung the "Ave Maria" at so many weddings, it would be sung for her during her funeral.  She had written three yet to be published novels.  They are works of historical fiction on the early Irish immigrants in Nebraska.

Ellen's life was lived out in three Dominican strongholds-- Nebraska, Tennessee and Kentucky.  Just as her Dominican roots nourished her, she shared her gifts with us, becoming an associate in 1986.  She will be greatly missed by her family and the Dominican community.  Let us pray for the peaceful repose of Ellen's soul and the consolation of her family.

Click to read more about other Associates and Sisters who have died.

Sister Mary Pius Worland, OP born to eternal life April 9, 2006.

Agnes Mindrup, OPA born to eternal life December 2, 2005

Sister Engelbert Allewelt, OP   born to eternal life November 25, 2005

Elinor "Ellie" Hartnett, OPA  born to eternal life November 17, 2005.

Sister Mary Regis Cullen, OP born to eternal life November 16, 2005.

Sister Sheila Buckley, OP born to eternal life October 9, 2005.

Sister Antonia Gallagher, OP born to eternal life September 28, 2005.

 Margaret Riedel, OPA born to eternal life September 27, 2005.

Sister Rose Vincent O'Brien, OP born to eternal life September 26, 2005.

Sister Verona Weidig, OP born to eternal life September 11, 2005.

Sister Hugh Frances Carey, O.P. born to eternal life July 18, 2005.

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