Obituary of Ellen M. Darrow

CLIFTON PARK/CANISTEO: Ellen M. Darrow, 84, of Clifton Park, N.Y formerly of Canisteo, passed away Sunday, August 27, 2022 at the Albany Medical Center surrounded by her family. She was the oldest child, born to Arthur and Teresa (Sullivan) Burdick on July 2, 1938. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Art, her sweet grand angel Sara Marie Clair, sister-in-law Bonnie Black Burdick, and brother-in-law Alex Shaban. Ellen was big sister to brothers Henry (Judy) Burdick who survives, and Art (deceased) (Amy) Burdick. Ellen, Henry and Artie grew up the better part of their lives in Hornell and Canisteo. She was also the “oldest” of the “Sullivan clan” and spent many early years with her cousins and friends. Ellen also spent much of her childhood with her grandparents and cousins, on the Burdick side of her family, in Livonia. She is survived and predeceased by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends, near and far. Ellen was a graduate of Canisteo Central School, class of 1956. After graduation, she began populating the Canisteo Valley with her 5 children. Ellen leaves the first loves of her life: Steven J. Clair of Hornell; Patricia E. McNulty (Jim) of Canisteo; Michael A. Clair (Kelly) of Hornell; Cynthia A.C. Testani (Gary Porter) of Hornell; and Timothy R.H. Clair (Kelsey) of Hartsville. The next love of Ellen’s life is her beloved husband Eric L. Darrow, of Clifton Park, to whom she married on March 14, 1974. Eric and Ellen were the center of each other’s lives, and were wonderful role models for their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Grandma Ellen was so in love and proud of her 17 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. that she would look at photos and watch videos of all these great grand-loves over and over and over again. The world lost our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. Ellen devoted her life to her family who meant the world to her. Her pleasant smile and warm demeanor will be very much missed, but she will live in our hearts forever. The family will receive friends from 4 to 7 pm on Friday, September 2, 2022, at the H.P. Smith & Son, Inc. Funeral Home, 29 East Main Street in Canisteo. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, September 3, 2022, St. Ann’s Church, Hornell. Burial will be directly following mass at Woodlawn Cemetery, Greenwood Street, Canisteo, NY. A funeral luncheon will be hosted at the Canisteo American Legion, Main Street, Canisteo, immediately following burial. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Red Cross, 24 Maple Street, Hornell, NY 14843.