Ellen "Marie" Cecelia Donohue

Ellen "Marie" Cecelia Donohue from New Rochelle passed away at White Plains Hospital on Saturday, September 18, 2022. She was 84 years old. Marie was born in New York City to Anna and Thomas Donohue, Sr. on January 2, 1938. Married in 1954 for twelve years, Marie found herself a single mother of four daughters and rose to the challenge with strength, love and years of hard work. She was one of the first employees at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Grand Central, NYC where she spent over 40 years as switchboard operator, finally retiring at 79 years old. A union delegate, Marie was committed to her co-workers while being much loved and respected by hotel management. She loved her job, was a good friend and supportive co-worker, a dedicated employee and spoke often and fondly of the people she met and the relationships she built over the years.  Marie was a passionate traveler and shared most of her vacations with her children and grandchildren. 

Her lifelong dream was to visit Ireland and see the sunset in Maui, Hawaii. She got to do both. The true joy of her life was her grandchildren, and she was always there for them, never missing a birthday, a holiday, a school play, or graduation. She was their devoted Nanny and their love for her was her oxygen. She was proud of all of them and was the heart of her family for her entire life. As well as her devotion to family, Marie was a loyal and lifelong friend to anyone who needed her. Generous and compassionate, her strength was an inspiration to everyone who knew her. Although she knew hard times and loss, she was blessed with a life filled with love, laughter, adventure and kindness. She will be missed by many, but she will always be remembered with love.

Marie was predeceased by her brothers Tommy and Bobby Donohue, sisters Maureen McGann and Peggy Verdon. She is survived by her daughters Linda Pizzuto (son-in-law Billy Ryan), Janice Pizzuto, Kim Pizzuto, Toni-Ann Varriale (son-in-law Frank Varriale). Grandchildren Sonni-Ann Iannuzzi (John Iannuzzi), Matthew Ryan, Erica Boyle (Will Boyle), Justin Ryan, Jessica Ryan. Great Grand Children Lemon Iannuzzi and Guinevere Boyle. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews who she deeply loved. Family will be receiving friends on Friday from 4-8pm at the Pelham Funeral Home 64 Lincoln Ave. Pelham, NY 10803. 914-738-1060. Mass of Christian burial will be Saturday 10:30am at Blessed Sacrament Church in New Rochelle.