Cranston , RI – Ellen Crosby O’Hara of Cranston RI died peacefully Thursday, September 25th, 2025, surrounded by family, after a brief illness. Ellen, the oldest child of Patricia (nee Dunnigan) and Henry C. Crosby was born on September 19th,1939, in Greenfield MA. She was raised in Greenfield and attended Greenfield public schools.
After her marriage to Philip (Peter) J. O’Hara of Greenfield, the couple settled in Cranston, RI. Following the birth of six children, Ellen completed her undergraduate and graduate studies in social work from Rhode Island College. As an LCSW, she worked primarily with children and families, eventually retiring as the school social worker at Community Preparatory School in Providence RI after many years.
Ellen had many passions, including reading, music, movies, politics, cooking, hiking, and traveling. She served multiple terms as the representative of Ward One on the Cranston City Council, as well as in leadership roles in the RI chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and Common Cause RI. She was active in numerous social justice causes, particularly those focused on women’s rights, the elimination of nuclear weapons, and the needs of immigrants, refugees, and people living in poverty. She and Pete were longtime members of The Genesis Community where she also served one term as lay commissioner. Ellen and Pete had many memorable travel experiences to Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Micronesia, the Caribbean, and across the US.
Always adventurous, Ellen learned to scuba dive and also completed a solo three-week immersion program in Ecuador to refine her Spanish language skills. She loved planning family and friend gatherings, and she spent many summers hosting at the longtime family cottage on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH.
Ellen is survived by her six children; Conor (Ronnie), Danny, Kate, Megan, Pete, and Tim (Diana); nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings Regis (Tony), Patricia (Clifford), and Eileen, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband of 61 years (Pete, d. 2023), and her siblings Rita, Tom, and Robbie.
Rites of Committal and Interment took place at Calvary Cemetery, Wisdom Way, Greenfield MA. A celebration of life was held in Providence, RI.
In memory of Ellen, consider a donation to Community Preparatory School 135 Prairie Ave. Providence RI 02905, or give in her honor to a community organization close to your heart.
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