V. Ellen Killeen, 88

V. Ellen Killeen of Hendersonville, formerly Estero, Fla., and Bloomfield Hills, Mich., died Thursday, Oct.11, 2013, of congestive heart failure. She was 88 years old.

She was born in Springfield, Ohio, to Laura May and Harry Basil Langs. She moved to North Carolina in 2011 to live with her daughter, Anne K. Allen and son-in-law, Robert E. Allen.

As a young woman Ellen loved and was a student of classical and sacred music. Her love of opera included a role in the Michigan Opera Theater.

Ellen received a bachelor's degree with honors in religion and humanities from Madonna College and earned masters of theological studies from St. John's Seminary in Plymouth, Mich.. During her time in Florida she was bestowed an honorary secular Franciscan and taught a series of classes at St. Williams Church in Naples.

She shared her love of literature, music, faith, self improvement and all things beautiful with her children and grandchildren.

She leaves her daughter Anne K. Allen, her sons Mark E. Murray and James B. Killeen, her step- children Alan R. Killeen and Karen L. Anderson; grandsons Cameron Murray, twins Brigham and Kelly Killeen; and grandchildren Tracy Hostetler and Todd Monfils. Great grandchildren Maya and Fynn Murray also survive her. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister and husband Alan B. Killeen.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013 at St. James Episcopal Church, Hendersonville, with Rev. Joel G. Hafer and Rev. Eunice R. Dunlap officiating. Ellen will be buried at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, at Acacia Park Cemetery, Beverly Hills, Mich. The family will receive friends from 2 until 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2013, at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Thomas Merton Society, Bellarmine University, 2001 Newbury Road, Louisville, KY 40205.

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.