Obituary of Ellen S. MacKnight

Ellen S. MacKnight passed at home on December 12^th at the age of 99.  She was born in Goshen, New York to Wayne and Joan Sharpe, and grew up in Oxford, New York on a dairy farm with five siblings. 

Ellen attended school in a one room schoolhouse then graduated from Oxford Academy. Being the first one in her family to go on to college, she attended Syracuse University School of Nursing, graduating in 1947.  Her nursing career began at Memorial Hospital.  Working there  for a number of years she cared for a patient by the name of Art MacKnight who later became her husband.  Married in 1950, Ellen and Art started their family shortly thereafter, eventually growing to include four boys. 

Ellen’s interests included cooking, baking and sewing.  Ellen was particularly talented in sewing almost anything including clothes/suits, Halloween costumes, furniture cushions and sails.  She was intimidated by no task.

Ellen created an idyllic experience for her family at their summer home on Sandy Pond.  She kept a tight ship, only allowing play after all chores were done but setting the stage for great summers and many happy memories for her boys.  Ellen also accompanied Art on their sailing adventures on Lake Ontario and in the Caribbean.

She was predeceased by her son Scott in 2005 and her husband Art in 2021.  She is survived by her sons Bruce (Meg Welch), Steve (Sheri), Craig (Joyce), daughter-in-law Karen, grandchildren Megan (Steve) Blahowicz, Kelsey (Fadel Elassa) MacKnight, Oliva (Connor) Trahan, and Riley, Michael, Mark, Halle and Alex MacKnight, along with great-grandchildren Jackson, Breckon, Clarkson, Mia, Aiden, Nora and Miles.

She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and cherished her.

Respecting Ellen’s wishes, funeral services will be private.  Donations may be made in her memory to the BreakthroughT1D, supporting Juvenile Diabetes Research, at www.breakthrought1d.org or to a charity of your choice.