Ella Denny

Ella (nee Buchanan) passed peacefully on September 5, 2025 at home in the Tedwyn Apartments in Bryn Mawr. She and her husband Bill moved there 7 years ago after living in Wynnewood for 30 years. Her early childhood was spent on E. Lippincott St. in North Phila. In 1955 her family was one of the first families to move into Levittown. She was a graduate of Gwynedd Mercy College, where she earned her degree in Nursing. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband William, and her older sisters, Catherine Davis (Kay) and Patricia Sarappo (Pat). She is survived by her brother Hugh (Janet), along with many loving in-laws, nieces and nephews.

For Ella, Nursing was both a calling and an approach to life. She always knew she wanted to be a nurse. As a young girl she was an inspired reader of the Cherry Ames stories. In High School she saw the nurses going into Abington Hospital and knew she wanted to one day join them, to bring comfort and hope to those who were sick or in pain. She worked and taught at Lankenau Hospital, Bryn Mawr Hospital and Osteopathic Hospital. In her later years she cared for the Seminarians at St. Charles and then the infirm Jesuits at St. Joe’s University.

All who met her were touched by her compassion, kindness and non-judgmental personality. She greeted friends and strangers alike with a welcoming smile. She was a great storyteller and an even better listener. People from all walks felt comfortable confiding in her on any topic. She was especially known for her warm, friendly hugs which made you feel you were special.

She loved dancing and singing along to the radio. A highlight of her life was seeing the Beatles in Atlantic City on September 2, 1964 when she was 16. Her ticket was $5.

She was proud of her Scottish heritage, being one of the Founding Families in Levittown, and her Democratic roots. She liked to engage in spirited political debate, always with respect and conviction. She enjoyed reading a good mystery and watching English television shows, made delicious shortbread and was an astute pinochle player. She served on the Tedwyn Apts. Welcoming Committee and volunteered with the Cancer Society Recovery Program.

Although she battled life-long serious illness, including scarlet fever when she was young, and cancer and heart disease throughout her adult years, she never stopped enjoying life. She was a practical optimist who made the best of whatever life dealt, gracious and grateful for the support of others. She always dressed beautifully and delighted in a good party and the company of her many friends.

In 1987 she married Bill Denny. They were introduced by Bill’s Aunt Maura. On their first date Bill cooked a delicious lamb dinner and Ella knew she had found her life partner. Now they are re-united in heaven, sharing a good meal, enjoying a laugh together and dancing to the Oldies.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, September 13, at 10 A.M. at Our Mother of Good Counsel Church in Bryn Mawr, followed by interment at Calvary Cemetery. A luncheon will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Main Line Health HomeCare & Hospice https://giving.mainlinehealth.org/ways-to-give/homecare-and-hospice