Ellen McMahon Ess

“Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be children of God”.

Ellen Gladys Ess (McMahon), 93, of Mpls, wife of Richard (Dick) Ess, passed away on Feb. 1, 2019. She was born in Mpls on Dec. 1, 1925 to Michael McMahon and Mary McMahon (Meehan).

Ellen gave birth to 7 children; she and Dick raised them in North Mpls. Dick died in 1982.

She was a homemaker and devoted mother during her marriage. In her 50’s she returned to college and completed her BA degree. Ellen was active in community affairs: Knights of Columbus, St. Anne’s Women’s Club, DFL politics, Cub Scouts, Girls Scouts and book clubs. She was particularly proud of a women’s book club that she started 30 years ago and is still active today. She was a compassionate fighter for social justice. Wherever she lived she was involved with her neighbors. She enjoyed bridge and golf.

Ellen is survived by 6 of her children, Mike (Florence), Mary (Doug), Julie (Kent), Keith (Rosa), Steve (Janine) and Elaine; her third child, Paul, died in infancy.

She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, Eli, Ely, Joel, Carrie, Malena, Nina, Charlie, Danny, Frankie, Katie and Bianca; 4 great grandchildren, Meredith, Miles, Callie and Wells.