Hornell, NY

Ellen C. Couture – 48 – of Willow Place, Hornell, died Wednesday afternoon (April 29, 2026) at Strong Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Rochester, NY on February 25, 1978, she was the daughter of John & Cheryl (Belanger) McNelis.

As a young child, Ellen lived in Chili, but she grew up in Caledonia and graduated from Caledonia-Mumford High School (class of 1996).  She lived in Scottsville for most of her adult life, moving to Hornell in 2026.

Ellen was a devoted stay-at-home mom, a role she cherished beyond measure, before deciding to further her education about 10 years ago.  She enrolled in Genesee Community College where she earned her Associate’s Degree in Human Services.  Ellen’s nurturing personality led her to a career in helping others.  She was employed at Changes and Changes, Inc. as a Domestic Violence Advocate and at Genesee ACE Employment Services as a Peer Advocate and Employment Specialist helping individuals select, obtain, and maintain employment.  She was also a Community Action Volunteer from 2017-2020.

Gardening was one of Ellen’s passions.  She enjoyed planting flowers, and, for a time worked in the landscaping industry.  She was also proud of her sobriety and was an active participant in Alcoholics Anonymous.  However, Ellen found the most joy spending time with her family.  She also adored her feline companions, Mittens & Bubba.

Ellen is survived by her children, Daniel Couture of Mumford, NY, Spencer Couture of Mumford, NY, & Molly Rossborough of Dansville, NY; her mother, Cheryl McNelis of Hornell; 4 sisters, Lynne (Charlie Young) McNelis of Rush, NY, Mary Jackson of Anthem, AZ, Kathleen (Ryan) Cameron of Scottsville, NY, & Joyce (Jesse Balliett) McNelis of Corning, NY; 2 brothers, David McNelis of Hornell and William McNelis of Hornell; nephews, Cole & John Cameron and Wade & Devin Jackson; several aunts, uncles, & cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, John A. McNelis who died February 21, 2013.

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church, 35 Erie Avenue, Hornell, NY with Father Stan Kacprzak officiating.  Final interment will take place on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 11:00 AM in Saint Columba Cemetery, Caledonia, NY.

Ellen’s family requests that memorial contributions in her name be made to the Hornell Area Humane Society by visiting https://www.hornellanimalshelter.org/Donate.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

To leave an online condolence or share a memory, please visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com or www.facebook.com/dagonfuneralhome.