Ellen Elizabeth (Hoey) Keating

Ellen (Eileen) Elizabeth Keating, age 91, of St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. 

Born on March 3, 1934, in Portrane, County Dublin, Ireland, daughter of Michael and Margaret Hoey. She spent her early years in Ireland, where she worked at Plesseys and Cadburys, and later in England at Brae Fell Guest House and Edgware General Hospital. 

In 1958, Ellen met her future husband, Ambrose, when he visited her family’s home to repair their television. Rather than fixing it right away, he claimed he needed an additional part—just as an excuse to return and see her again. From that moment, they were inseparable. Even after Ambrose moved to the United States, their bond remained strong. When he proposed, Ellen said yes without hesitation and joined him in Los Angeles, California. They were married on November 15, 1960, and together they raised three daughters: Margaret, Michelle, and Lorraine. 

In 1971, the family returned to Ireland, where Ellen devoted herself to raising her three girls, as well as enjoying and excelling at knitting and sewing. Once her children were older, she worked at St. Ita’s Hospital in Portrane until her retirement at age 67. 

Following Ambrose’s passing in 2008, Ellen moved back to the United States to be closer to her daughters and grandchildren. 

Ellen is lovingly remembered by her daughters Margaret, Michelle, and Lorraine; her grandchildren Daniel and Emily; her siblings Veronica, Thomas, and Phyllis,and Raymond; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Ambrose, her parents Margaret and Michael, and her sisters Mary, Patricia, and Rose. 

Her life was marked by kindness, resilience, and devotion to family. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her. 

A funeral service will take place at noon on Friday, September 26th at O'Halloran and Murphy Funeral Home, 575 Snelling S. St. Paul, MN with a gathering 1 hour prior.

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