Ellen Crosby O'Hara

Ellen Crosby O’Hara formally of Edgewood, Cranston, RI died peacefully Thursday, September 25 th , 2025, surrounded by family after a brief illness. Ellen (Mamie), the oldest child of Patricia (nee Dunnigan) and Henry Crosby was born on September 19 th , 1939, in Greenfield MA. Ellen was raised in Greenfield MA and attended Greenfield public schools. Ellen was predeceased by her loving husband of 61 years, Philip “Pete” O’Hara (d. 2023) and her siblings Rita, Tom, and Robbie. She is survived by her six children; Conor (Ronnie), Danny, Kate, Megan, Pete, and Tim (Diana); grandchildren Elana (Mitch), Joshua (April), Finlay (Allie), Ian (Zan), Carlin (Amanda), Greysen, Lilly, Tucker, and Sadie; and great-grandchildren Shay and Ari. She is also survived by her siblings Regis (Tony), Patricia (Clifford), and Eileen, her nieces and nephews, and many friends who will miss her dearly. Following the birth of her six children, Ellen completed her undergraduate and graduate studies in social work from RI College. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Ellen worked primarily with children and families in community-based positions, private practice, and eventually retired as the school social worker at Community Preparatory School after many years. Ellen had many passions, including reading, music, gardening, movies, politics, cooking, camping and hiking, skiing, and traveling. She built a life around giving to others, having served multiple terms as the representative of Ward One on the Cranston City Council, as well as leadership roles in the RI chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and Common Cause RI. She was active in numerous social justice causes, particularly those focused on women’s rights, the elimination of nuclear weapons, and the needs of immigrants, refugees, and people less fortunate than herself. She and Pete were longtime members of The Genesis Community where she also served one term as lay commissioner. Ellen and Pete had many great travel experiences with friends or as a couple to Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Micronesia, the Caribbean, and across the US. Ellen, always adventurous, learned to scuba dive and also completed a solo three week immersion program in Ecuador to refine her Spanish language skills to better serve her community. She loved planning and hosting family and friend gatherings and trying new restaurants. She spent many summers at her longtime family cottage on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH, her most special place, with friends and family. She loved spending her late afternoons on the dock with a good book and a glass of wine.

Rites of Committal and Internment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Wisdom Way, Greenfield MA on October 6 th at 12:00 P.M. for longtime friends and family.

A celebration of life will be held on October 20 th , 2025, at 4:00 P.M at Watermen Grill, 4 Richmond Square, Providence, RI.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Community Preparatory School in Providence RI.

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