Ellen Frances Greffenius was born in upper Manhattan, New York, the third child of four, to Philip D. and Kathleen (née McIntyre) Morris.  She is surrounded by an older sister and brother, Catherine and Philip, and a younger brother, James.  Ellen’s paternal grandparents emigrated from Counties Mayo and Tipperary, and her maternal grandparents, Waterford and Cavan.  Ellen credits her parents for instilling in her a strong Catholic faith, and she attended Catholic schools throughout her education.  The Morris Family moved to Ossining in 1968 where Ellen attended St. Augustine Elementary School and later Kennedy Catholic High School in Somers.  She went on to earn her undergraduate degree from the College of Mount Saint Vincent in Riverdale. After beginning her career in advertising in New York City, Ellen made the decision to return to school to pursue nursing, a decision she has never regretted.  She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from New York University and spent several years working in the Emergency Department at Weill Cornell in Manhattan. Becoming a nurse has given her tremendous pride and purpose, offering her a career that is both rewarding and meaningful.  Ellen later advanced her education with a master’s in nursing, and presently works as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Pace University, which has campuses in both New York City and Pleasantville.  Ellen married David Greffenius on October 31, 2010.  While Ellen enjoyed Irish step dancing in her younger days, she now cherishes Irish music.  Ellen is a member of LAOH Division 18 in Peekskill where she presently serves as Recording Secretary, having previously served as Missions & Charities officer in 2022.  She is a member of the American College Health Association (ACHA), the American Nurses Association (ANA) and the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA).  Ellen and David currently reside in Croton, and are parishioners of St. Augustine’s Church in Ossining.  Ellen is deeply proud of her heritage as a second-generation Irish American and is both honored and privileged to have been selected as an Aide to the Grand Marshal for the 265th NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade