Page created by: Jenni Harmon

Ellen “Momma” Harmon passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of Thanksgiving, November 23, 2023. It was her favorite holiday.

Ellen lived a full and vibrant life, touching the hearts of so many. She was a fabulous woman, generous, loving, quick witted and thoughtful.

Born on September 28,1947 in Passaic, NJ to Paul and Helen, she was the first of three beautiful girls. She loved and adored her two younger sisters Dee and Carol. But make no mistake she was, and always will be the youngest sister. There wasn’t a day that passed that they did not speak to each other and embody the true bond of family.


Ellen graduated with honors from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a degree in Education. After teaching at Somerville elementary school, she went on to have multiple successful careers. Most notable Johnson & Johnson, stay at home Mom, and Pella Window and Doors where she retired. She was very comfortable in a man’s world and her quick wit and sense of humor made her the perfect Sales Rep at Pella where she developed friendships that spanned decades.

Ellen met the love of her life Raymond Eugene Harmon Jr (Pops) in the late 60’s. They married in 1971 and shared so many adventures, the good times and the bad, remaining together until his passing in 2011. Together they raised two amazing boys, Razor and Pauly boy. She was the most loving Mother in every way. She welcomed everyone with a smile and could not wait to discover their story. You were asked to sit, share your experiences, which always came with a smile, open heart, laughter, and a delicious meal. Anyone who had this pleasure referred to her as “Momma” and was forever part of the family.

Her passions included cooking, cooking and more cooking. No one ever left her table hungry. Anyone who sat at her table felt her incredible love through her food, which included many generational family Polish dishes: pierogies, borscht, and kielbasa with sauerkraut. She passed this love of cooking to her sons. When she wasn’t cooking, she would sit with you while you cooked, swirling her Manhattan interested in every step of the process. A job well done was “You outdid yourself” and was a good sign that what you cooked was delicious. Even well after she could no longer cook, she collected recipes and it wouldn’t be unusual to find recipes tucked in drawers, purse, or her walker.

Aside from her meals, she had fabulous taste. Her favorite color was animal print and she loved anything that sparkled. If it had animal print or sparkles, she owned it. Toothbrushes, clothing, shoes, cane, and even her lazy boy chair. When she visited Graceland for the first time everything changed, there could never be enough animal print, never.

Ellen was cherished for being a genuine friend. Many valued her sense of humor and compassion. The stories that they tell about her, and the impact she had on their lives has shown us all the goodness that exists in this world. The one consistent word the keeps coming up since she passed has been “grateful”. Grateful to have had the opportunity of her being part of our lives.

She had a memory like no other (not always the best for Pops). She loved music. Some of her favorites were The Beatles (their wedding song was Something), Tom Petty, James Taylor and The Rolling Stones. She had the moves like Jagger. She couldn’t hold a tune, but she still sang out loud at full volume. Toward the end of her life we went for a visit. Everyone in her facility was raving about their big win. Turns out that they had a music competition with a rival facility identifying classic rock songs which Momma dominated. She answered all of the songs correctly. When asked about this her response was; “All of the songs have such beautiful memories for me, it was easy to name them.” She laughed and said, “I have no idea what I had for breakfast, but I knew every one of those songs…God it felt good.”

Momma loved Jacqui & Jenni Harmon like they were her own daughters. We are sure that the grandkids helped but she always said how much she admired their strength and patience. Her sons were quickly moved down in rank as both Jacqui and Jenni became her favorites. She never told them how to raise their boys only what a wonderful job they were doing. Both agree this was the best gift a mother-in-law could give them.

She had no greater love than that of her grandchildren. PJ, Ben, Eugene and Quentin. She spoiled them rotten and loved every minute of it (and so did they). If a package arrived from Babci, they knew it was something fun. She took the time to listen to them and be present in their lives. She would sneak outside to see what they were up to; they would run over to her to show her something special. She would listen and ask questions and would be dazzled by it as their faces lit up with joy. She cherished every moment with her grandkids.

She fully whole heartedly loved the people in her life and although she will be missed terribly, her spirit, love and legacy will be carried with us through the stories (and food) that we share throughout the generations to come.

She was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2008 and continued to approach life with a positive attitude no matter the circumstances. She was very fond of Michael J. Fox and appreciated everything he has done to help the disease.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Michael J Fox Parkinson’s Foundation.

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