Ellen Blake Craven

Ellen Blake Craven, age 65, of Dunmore passed away on January 29, 2025. She faced her cancer diagnosis with incredible strength, courage and grace.

Ellen was born in Huntington, New York and resided most of her life in Dunmore. She was the daughter of the late George F. Blake, Jr., and the late Margaret Yeck Blake.

She is survived by her son, Robert Craven (Nicole), and her two beloved grandchildren, Ryan and Phoebe Craven, of Roaring Brook Township. Her son, William J. Craven, predeceased her in 1995. She is also survived by her siblings, Laura Kelly (Michael) of Scranton, Donna Kranick (Francis) of Dunmore, Geff Blake (Alexia) of Moosic Lakes, and Sharon Cuff (Robert) of Dunmore, and many nieces and nephews. She was also predeceased by a nephew, Jason Cuff, and infant niece, Cecelia Baracaia.

Ellen graduated magna cum laude from Marywood College, after attending Bishop O’Hara High School. She had a lifelong career in the long-term care industry after serving the elderly as Lackawanna County ombudsperson. Ellen obtained her nursing home administrator license in 1992. She served as administrator for various facilities, including Harrison House Personal Care, Blakely-Pine Healthcare Center, Abington Manor, Dunmore Healthcare Center, Green Ridge Healthcare Center, and, most recently, Linwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Under her leadership, Linwood received national acclaim as one of the best nursing homes by U.S. News & World Report. In 2016, the Guardian Foundation recognized Ellen as Nursing Home Administrator of the Year. During her tenure at Linwood, she spearheaded the renovation of Linwood’s short-term rehabilitation unit which was dedicated in her honor in February 2019. For many years, she served as a member of the Board of Directors of both the NEPA Long Term Care Association and the Pennsylvania Healthcare Association. She excelled in her calling and was loved by many of her residents and staff.

In addition to dedicating her career to providing care for the elderly, Ellen provided a foster home for numerous dogs saved by One Life to Live Pet Rescue & Adoption, Inc. and ultimately adopted her beloved Minnie who rarely left her side. Minnie regularly visited Linwood’s residents, who affectionately called her “Minnie the Mooch,” and they recently honored Minnie for her 10 years of service.

Ellen loved to travel and enjoyed many trips with her friends.  After her retirement, she looked forward to weekly meetings of her “Breakfast Club” until her health declined. During her illness, she continued to live life to the fullest and was comforted by visits with many close friends and family members at her homes in Dunmore and Panther Lake. Her family thanks those friends for their compassion and support.

A Blessing Service will be held on Sunday at 2:30pm at the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home Inc., 318 E. Drinker St. in Dunmore.

Family and friends may pay their respects from 12noon until the time of service at the funeral home.

Interment is private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Activity Fund at Linwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center,100 Florida Ave, Scranton, PA 18505.