Ellen "Ellie" Burnley

Ellen Ann Burnley “Ellie”, peacefully passed from her mortal life onto her spiritual journey on October 25, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on September 9, 1944, to Edward “Gene” and Lorraine Lahl, Ellie and her two sisters were raised in Hudson. Ellie graduated from Hudson High School in 1962 and attended the University of Wisconsin – Madison for one year and UW Stout for two years before becoming a stewardess/flight attendant for United Airlines.

She married her first husband, Michael Rice and during this marriage adopted two children. The marriage would later end in divorce. She married David Burnley on September 10, 1983; a marriage which lasted 42 years until her passing. Ellie was a homemaker and actively participated in social, church and civic activities throughout her adult life. Declining health and dementia brought her to Cambridge Senior Living in Hudson in January 2024 where she received loving and professional care, and most recently hospice care.

She is survived by her devoted husband Dave Burnley and beloved cat Norm.

An informal memorial gathering honoring Ellie's life will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025 at the O'Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson, WI. Visitation will be from 3:00-4:00 P.M. followed by a short service at 4:00 P.M.

Memorials or donations honoring Ellie’s life can be made to The Phipps Center for the Arts, The Animal Human Society or to the donor’s favorite charity.