Ellen M Pellegrin

Ellen M. Pellegrin, age 85, passed away on February 27, 2022, in Oshkosh, WI surrounded by her loving family.   
Ellen was born to Henry and Gertrude (McCann) Steinhoff, Sr., on April 26, 1936, in Wilton, Wisconsin. She married Joseph Pellegrin, Jr. on August 10, 1957, in Wilton.   
Ellen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at UW Stout, as well as a master's degree in Theology from Saint Frances de Sales Seminary.   As a woman of deep faith, Ellen generously volunteered and shared her time, talents, and resources with those closest to her, as well as many who will likely never know of her kindness and generosity.  Her passion for learning and reading endured throughout her life. She was a master gardener, and her years of planning and hard work earned the Milwaukee Mayor's Award for "Garden of the Year."  
  Ellen's tireless work included many years of service to the Benedict Center library in the Milwaukee County Jail, where Ellen lived her faith by providing justice, love and opportunity for people, regardless of their position in society.  
  She had a keen eye for art and fashion and her quick wit and appreciation for a good joke made her the life of the party without needing to be the center of the party.  Ellen's hand-knit sweaters will continue to be enjoyed by family and friends for years to come, and her wonderful home cooked meals, candies and cookies will be sadly missed by many.    
Ellen is survived by her children, Elizabeth (Robert Jr.) Zimmerman, Mary (Robert Magrady) Durant and Tony (Amanda Williams) Pellegrin, grandchildren, Tayler Pellegrin, Alison and Crystal Zimmerman, Kaylee (Devin Trebon) Durant, Caroline and Henry Pellegrin; and great-grandson, Damian.  She is also survived by her sister, Caroline (Donald) Buenz and sisters-in-law, Jeanne Steinhoff and Lyndia Pellegrin-Kendrick, along with many loving nieces, nephews and family members.
  In addition to her parents, Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph; brothers, Rev. Henry Steinhoff, Jr., and Raphael Steinhoff; sisters, Teresa (Kenneth) Creviston and Ruth (Giles) Karis.  
A visitation and mass for Ellen will be held at St Raphael Church (830 S Westhaven Dr., Oshkosh) on Saturday, March 26, 2022, with the visitation at 11:30 am and mass at 1:00 pm.
  In Lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Rodney’s Café in Oshkosh, which provides meals for people in need.
  “Though she be but little, she is fierce!”