Ellen Catherine (Dillon) Tambolas

Ellen Catherine (Dillon) Tambolas

Fiercely Independent & Tenacious -

Ellen Catherine (Dillon) Tambolas, age 79, of Mechanicsburg, and formerly of Pittsburgh, passed away on Tuesday, April 5, 2022.  Ellen was born on Wednesday, February 3, 1943, in Pittsburgh to the late Edward Thomas Dillon, Sr. and Mary (McNamara) Dillon.  In addition to her parents, Ellen is preceded in death by her two brothers: Edward Dillon, Jr. and Damien Dillon; her sister, Mary Ann Dunn; and her infant twin sisters.

Ellen’s survivors include her two children: Teresa Dillon Tambolas and husband, Eric Rampson, of Chicago, IL, Andre Tambolas of Mechanicsburg; her two grandchildren: Atticus Edward Rampson and Lyra Ellen Rampson, both of Chicago, IL; and several nieces and nephews.

Ellen graduated from St. Canice High School in Pittsburgh in 1961 and went on to Point Park University, where she graduated with a nursing degree.  She retired from Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill, after many years working as a registered nurse at various institutions.  Ellen was a lifelong member of the Roman Catholic faith.  She loved craft projects—she was an accomplished seamstress—and watching game shows.  Ellen also enjoyed murder mysteries and Britcoms; her favorite movie was Arsenic & Old Lace and she loved the Keeping Up Appearances series and Carol Burnett.  Ellen was known for having a whimsical side, displayed most obviously in her love of and extensive collection of all things pig.  She loved bird watching and each year looked out for the pair of ducks she affectionately named Mort and Maisy, whose appearance let her know that spring was on the way.  She also loved feeding squirrels, birds, and other wildlife that found their way into her backyard.  Ellen enjoyed treats like cheesecake, carrot cake, and black cherry ice cream, and abhorred lima beans.  She made friends everywhere she went:  she devoted her career to helping others and carried that instinct for making connections into retirement.  She loved to laugh and make others laugh, and appreciated the absurdities of everyday life.  Ellen was a great listener, fiercely independent and tenacious, highly opinionated, and would always help others see the error of their ways (and somehow she always was right).  Above all else, she was devoted to her kids and always wanted the best for them.

All are welcome to join Ellen’s family at her celebration of life open house and gathering of family and friends on Saturday, April 30, 2022, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a time of remembrance at 1:30 p.m. at Buhrig’s Gathering Place, 25 East Main Street, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055, (717) 766-3421 (next to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory).  Over 100 parking spaces are available; just look for the “Buhrig” parking signs in all of the parking lots.  Interment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Mechanicsburg was held at the convenience of the family.  Cremation was private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in celebration of Ellen’s life can be made to the Humane Society of the Harrisburg Area, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA 17111, www.humanesocietyhbg.org/get-involved/donate.

Ellen’s family has entrusted her care to Buhrig Funeral Home & Crematory in Mechanicsburg, (717) 766-3421.  Read Ellen’s full obituary, view her memorial video and portrait, offer condolences and sympathy, share stories and memories, upload photographs and videos, light a candle and sign her official guest book by visiting Buhrig.com.