Ellie Hallgren, age 68, of McKinney, Texas, passed away December 7, 2012, in McKinney. Ellie was born January 7, 1944, in Roscoe, Texas, to Jack and Rosie (Cremona) Contella. Ellie loved the arts, and growing up, she danced and sang for many years as a performer. Later, she inspired other students as a dance instructor. Ellie was also passionate about her long career as a catering manager. Though she performed this vital service for several hotel chains, her fondest memories were of her time in that role at The Mansion at Turtle Creek in Dallas, Texas. Prior to moving to Dallas, Ellie was a resident of Lakeway, Texas for twenty years. She was also a faithful member of Emmaus Catholic Church where she performed in the church choir and also helped others in assisted living homes.
She is survived by her son, Darren S. Otto and wife, Laura of McKinney, Texas; granddaughters, Connor Otto, Hale Otto, and Emory Otto; and brother, Tom Contella of Dallas, Texas.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Rosie Contella.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 12, 2012, at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Chapel in Allen, Texas. The family will receive friends during a visitation from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m., Tuesday evening with a rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m., at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org.