Ellen Zahn Mahler

Well-done good and faithful servant.
God called Ellen (Zahn) Mahler home on October 16, 2025, after a long life, well-lived. She was 97. Elly was born in Queens, NY on February 19, 1928, and lived there until her family moved to New Jersey for her senior year in high school. She graduated from Bucknell University at the age of 20 with a degree in biology. She married Paul Mahler on January 29, 1949, and they lived in Troy NY until settling in Rochester, NY where she lived for the rest of her life.
Elly was a stalwart at Reformation Lutheran Church and volunteered over the years in many capacities. She was the consummate volunteer- working with underprivileged children, the Girl Scouts, the Parent Teacher Association, and as a nurse at Camp Joy for over 35 years. She supported the Philharmonic Orchestra, the Art Gallery and other cultural groups in Rochester.
Widowed in 1967, she brought up her three children on her own, including a 9-week driving trip across the country the first summer after Paul died. Having to work outside the home, Elly began with three part time jobs by working for the Census Bureau, Primary Project and even as a Lifeguard. She was very involved with her kids' school activities, and attended every game, meet and concert her children performed in. Elly returned to school and graduated from MCC as an RN at the age of 50. She worked for 15 years at the Rochester Developmental Center, unselfishly volunteering to work many holidays so others could spend time with their families.
She joined the Genesee Valley Hiking Club in her forties, and was a very active member for many years, hiking or paddling at least twice a week until she was in her eighties. She was also well known at the Maplewood YMCA which she attended 5 days a week to exercise and met weekly with her beloved Book Club friends. All of that activity helped her in her old age and earned her the nickname "Speedy" at the Jewish Home.
Elly was very adventurous. She loved cross-country skiing and skied downhill a few times each year into her seventies. She also travelled extensively, visiting Europe, Asia and Central and South America on her many trips. She drove to Colorado by herself regularly to visit grandchildren, barely stopping for a nap in her car along the way.
Elly was predeceased by her husband Paul in 1967, and is survived by her 3 children; Mark Mahler (Mindy), Peter Mahler (Mary), and Heidi Kozak (Frank), 7 grandchildren; Krista Grant (LT), Kate Drinan (James), Kelly Mahler, Casey Blackburn (Deane), Kevin Mahler (Jenny), Kimberly Beaver (Daniel), and Katherine Rethman (Craig), and 13 great grandchildren; Caroline & Tommy Grant, Owen & Callie Drinan, Bodie & Metta Blackburn, Arthur Mahler, Everett, Emerson, Elliott, & Ezra Beaver, and Carden & Noah Rethman.
She will always be remembered for her sense of adventure, strong faith, kindness and courage. The family would like to thank the Jewish Home Cottage #2 staff for all the loving care that they gave to Elly.
Contributions in Elly's memory can be made to Camp Joy, Lutheran World Relief, or an environmental charity of your choice, and will be greatly appreciated.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 10:00am on February 14th 2026, at Lutheran Church of Our Savior, 2415 Chili Avenue Rochester NY. A gathering of family and friends will follow at the White House Lodge in Webster Park.

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