Ellen M. Sassa, age 72, passed away peacefully at the Community Hospice Hadlow Center for Caring in Jacksonville, Florida on March 8th, 2025. Her husband, Larry, was by her side as the Light of God shone upon Ellen.
Born Ellen Maria Tammaro, September 15th, 1952 in Toronto, Ontario – Canada. The family moved to the United States with her father’s job, to Cupertino, California. The next move was to Banbridge / Aurora, Ohio. Ellen was a graduate of Kenston High School in 1971, along with her closest friends to this day, Mary, Eileen and Denny.
Ellen and Larry met in 1977, as Ellen was completing her Associate Degree in Nursing at Lakeland Community College in Kirkland, Ohio. Larry was out for a run on a snowy day, Ellen was clearing her parent’s driveway, she said he was crazy to be out running, he said it was perfect, quiet and peaceful. Well, they were married April 7th, 1979.
Larry’s career took them to South Jersey, Allentown, Pennsylvania, Scotch Plains, New Jersey and Jacksonville, Florida. Jacksonville was home for the last 35 years, (Mandarin, Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra).
Professionally, Ellen had a long career in the medical surgical setting, but her passion was the care of the elderly. A nurse manager and director in long term care, she was dedicated, compassionate and caring, an advocate for patients and their families. When her parents and Larry’s mother were declining, she oversaw their care with efficiency and much love. She was the family medical manager.
What many will remember about Ellen is what a good friend she was. She connected with people. Ellen was beautiful inside and out. Smart, caring, kind; had a snappy sense of humor…. could be very direct and very funny.
Ellen ran her home beautifully and was a caring mother to Nicholas and loving wife to Larry. She was a gem, a nature lover, enjoying woodland walks and tending to her plants – especially her orchids.
There are really no words to say – it was all too fast and she will be missed tremendously but forever in our hearts.
Ellen was proceeded in death by her parents Frank and Dorthy Tammaro. Ellen is survived by her husband of nearly 46 years, Lawrence K. Sassa, of Ponte Vedra, Florida and their son, Joseph Nicholas Sassa, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida. She is also survived by her siblings, D. Christopher Tammaro, (Jennifer), of Sechelt, British Columbia, Catherine Tammaro, (Phil Ogison, deceased), of Toronto, Ontario, and D'Arcy F. Tammaro of Flat Rock, Michigan. Larry’s brothers, Joel Sassa, (Kathy), of Venice, Florida and Steven Sassa, (Patti), of Jacksonville, Florida. Ellen was a much-loved Aunt of seven nieces and nephews and their children. And – her beloved Standard Poodle, Giselle who she referred to as “Sister”!
A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on March 28, 2025 -11:00 AM, at St. John Paul II Catholic Church, 127 Stone Mason Way, Ponte Vedra, Florida 32081.
In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations in Ellen’s honor to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, (T2T.org) and the American Cancer Society, (www.cancer.org).
The family thanks the administration and staff at Community Hospice of Jacksonville, Florida for their compassionate care and support.
