Ellen Diflo

Ellen Diflo, 89, a longtime Syracuse resident, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2024, at Upstate Community General Hospital, surrounded by family and friends after a short illness. She passed within months of her husband, Manny, after 67 years of marriage.

Born on October 30, 1934, in Koblenz, Germany, Ellen and Manny lived in Switzerland, Australia, and Puerto Rico before settling in Syracuse in 1963.

Ellen was incredibly kind-hearted and generous—a mother figure to many. She worked as an operating room technician at Upstate Hospital for 25 years, where she cared for many with the greatest compassion and care. She was also an avid gardener, a fabulous cook, and lovingly knitted hundreds of winter hats each year for local school children. She and Manny hosted many joyful holiday gatherings, where friends often became family.

Ellen leaves behind beloved family in Germany and an extended Syracuse family of cherished friends. Her love and light will be deeply missed, and her legacy of compassion and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew her.

The family wishes to thank the many neighbors, friends, and former coworkers whose kindness and support meant so much in her final years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders at doctorswithoutborders.org in their memory. 

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