Ellen Mary Ackermann

Ellen Mary Ackermann (née Tabary), 90, of Houston, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on September 9, 2023. She was surrounded by family and loved ones when she made her final journey. Preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, Francis Alvin Ackermann, her parents, Paul August Tabary and Lythia Ellen O’Brien and brother Paul August Tabary Jr., Ellen is survived by her five children: Pattie (Leda) Ackermann, Lori Ackermann Powell, Judy (Troy) Fischer, Brad (Roseanne) Ackermann and Barbara Ackermann. Additionally, Ellen is survived by many devoted grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and her godchild. Ellen was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, grew up in the lower Ninth Ward, attended Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church and graduated from Nichols High School. She met the love of her life, Francis Alvin Ackermann, on a blind date. Fran and Ellen married, started a family, and built a life in River Ridge, Louisiana. They also helped build and attended St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church. Ellen started working at 14, she was a ‘Soda Jerk’ at Wilson’s Drug Store behind the soda fountain where she honed her love of all thing's chocolate! She moved up to Marks Isaacs Department Store and, after graduating high school, Ellen worked at The Ford Motor Company where she got to drive a lavender colored Thunderbird convertible, her favorite color and car. Fran’s job moved the family to Houston, Texas, where Ellen was a stay-at-home mom, but kept busy conducting marketing research. Ellen's first job at the new Memorial City General Hospital was as the weeknight PBX Operator, then became an Emergency Room Admissions Clerk, was promoted to Personnel Director, and subsequently went onto become the Director of Volunteers where she directed her beloved, award-winning Adult and Junior Volunteers. In her spare time, Ellen was an active chaperone in the Lightfoot Brigade Drum and Baton group, traveling with her daughters when they performed throughout Texas and Louisiana. Ellen had great penmanship and learned the art of calligraphy. She became known for her stunningly written wedding invitations, awards, cards, and certificates. She even created place cards for two White House dinners! After Ellen retired from the Volunteers in 1997, she and Francis began to travel and attended many model railroad train conventions in the US and Canada. They traveled to proudly witness their son graduate from Naval Boot camp in San Diego, California. Fran loved to drive and have Ellen sit beside him. Fran and Ellen are now exploring Heaven, together again, at last.

Ellen Mary Ackermann

February 13, 1933 - September 9, 2023