Ellen Forster O'Connor's Obituary
We regretfully announce the loss of our mom, grandmother, sister, and friend, Ellen O’Connor, who died at the age of 60 on August 8, 2023. Forever driven by the love and care that she had for her family and friends, it is of no surprise that she was in turn surrounded by love when she passed on to be with the Lord.
Ellen was born in Houston on November 13th, 1962, to parents, Joseph Landry Forster and Neva Grace Faught Forster. She attended St. Vincent de Paul for K-8 followed by Marian Christian for high school. Ellen’s lifelong passion and deep love for animals led to an apprenticeship with a pet groomer in 1986, which launched an exciting career. For almost 20 years, she worked for Pampered Pet Inn, and in 2004 was granted the opportunity to own the business, which she has since operated with her daughters. Ellen’s motto was: “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life”. To that end, she was the consummate professional who lived out her passions in grooming and caring for her many animals and clients over the years. We will forever be guided by her support and encouragement to likewise be equally devoted to work that brings joy and meaning to those around us.
Ellen raised two wonderfully capable, independent, and kind daughters, Erin (m. 2013 to Andrew Fitzpatrick) and Mary Kate (m. 2016 to William Paulley) alongside her husband, Craig. She was loving and welcoming to her sons-in-law and was most proud of her treasured position as Grams to grandchildren, Jonathan, Joseph, Olivia, Christopher, and her soon-to-be-born grandchild. Ellen loved spending time with family, friends, and her menagerie of dogs, cats, horses, and her longest companion of 37 years, her parrot, Tostada. Be it spending time outdoors or traveling, she was often the happiest when surrounded by her large family, including her sister, Margaret Forster Logan (m. Buddy), niece, Emily Logan (partner, Brett), nephew, Stuart Logan (m. Brittany), sister-by-choice, Lauren Baldwin, and niece-by-choice, Shannon Wallace (m. Rivers).
Ellen was fearless, effervescent, and a force to be reckoned with. She will be terribly missed with each passing day, but we take comfort in the wonderful memories that we have and in the ones that many have graciously shared. We remain committed to honoring her presence by connecting with and caring for people and animals in various positive ways. In remembrance of the life she led, we invite you to do so as well.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, August 13th at 2:00PM at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church in Houston, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice, or to Ellen’s beloved grandchildren’s Acorn accounts for their educational funds.
Jonathan
https://gifts.acorns.com/?code=70QL3W
Joey
https://gifts.acorns.com/?code=ZBKL8G
Olivia
https://gifts.acorns.com/?code=MGNM5I
Christopher
https://gifts.acorns.com/?code=TTYLJV
If you cannot join the family at the service on Sunday, please us the link to watch via live stream:
https://vimeo.com/event/3626974
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