Sister Kathryn Ellen Thomas, Religious of the Cenacle Sisters, was born into eternal life on Friday, November 6, 2020, after complications of Covid-19.

Born on November 15, Sister Ellen was the daughter of John and Margaret (Carter) Thomas.  She was a graduate of St. Dennis Grade School and Lockport High School. In 1964, Ellen entered religious life at the Warrenville Cenacle where she served in retreat and spiritual direction. She continued her vocation serving in Chicago, Boston, Houston, St. Louis, and Milwaukee. While in Boston, she received her B.A. degree from Boston College. Upon returning to her roots, she served 29 years with Catholic Charities, Diocese of Joliet, as Director of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

In 2003, she was awarded the Will County Community Service Award for outstanding community service. Sister Ellen founded a home in Joliet for senior faith-based women which she named in honor of her sister Bette, St. Elizabeth's Home.  She worked tirelessly and proudly to maintain it for senior women who live a faith-based life. In her retirement years, she could be found still working and playing with young children at the St. Dennis Early Learning Center, singing in the St. Dennis choir, and serving as a Eucharistic minister. Her dedication to the

St. Dennis community was life-long and evident to all who knew her.

During her past four years at Our Lady of Angels Retirement home, she brought joy and laughter to all she encountered.

Sister Ellen is survived by her sisters: her "Irish twin," Molly Marchio, and her "youngest and prettiest sister," Nancy (Robert) Lindsey. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews: James (Michelle) Wartenberg, Jodi (Gregg Vershay) Wartenberg, Jane (James) Stengele, Thomas (Lynn) Wartenberg, Elizabeth (Anthony) Talarico, Michele (Greg) Martis, Tara (Kevin) O'Hea, James Lindsey, Michael (Hanna) Lindsey, and Christopher (Sarah) Lindsey. Sister Ellen is survived by countless friends including Linda Akeman, and her "Club Ladies": Joyce Elder, Denise Freehauf, Bette Greenway, Judy Martis, Charlotte Mater, Sugie Rigoni, Linda Sendra, Virgie Smolich, and Joan Varsek. She is also survived by her Godsons, Jack Glasscock and Daniel Martis.

Sister Ellen was preceded in death by her parents John and Margaret (Carter) Thomas, her sister Elizabeth (Bette) Wartenberg, her nephew Donald Wartenberg Jr., and her brothers-in-law Thomas Marchio and Donald Wartenberg.

Two defining characteristics of Sister Ellen were her love for life and compassion. She had a lively, fun-loving presence and her sense of humor brought joy to all. She loved to travel and especially enjoyed trips with family and friends to Cape Cod, Massachusetts; Siesta Key, Florida; and Deer Valley Ranch, Colorado. She enjoyed the holidays and made the world's best mashed potatoes, deviled eggs, and hot fudge. She loved gadgets, especially fun light-up accessories. On a serious note, there was no better person to talk to during a time of need. She was always willing to help others, would pray, and offer the best advice always sprinkled with humor to make your day. Her spiritual presence will be missed in this world.

Due to COVID-19, services will be PRIVATE for immediate family only .  Relatives and friends are invited to watch the live-stream of the Mass of Resurrection on Saturday, November 14th at 9:45 a.m. The livestream link will be available on the Saint Dennis website: https://www.saint-dennis.org .

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Cenacle Sisters at 513 Fullerton Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614 ( https://www.cenaclesisters.org/chicago ) or St. Dennis Catholic Church at 1214 S. Hamilton Street Lockport, IL 60441 ( https://www.saint-dennis.org ). The family also requests that all who truly wish to celebrate in Sister Ellen's life fill up the largest bowl of ice cream and eat it with a smile as you remember the good times you shared with her.