Born in Mohawk, NY daughter of Alice (Coons) and Edwin McDonald, Ellen was one of six, and came to Syracuse with her family in the 1940s. She was a graduate of St. John the Baptist and retired from Chase Bank as a bank teller.  A lifelong communicant of St. Patrick's Church and proud "Irisher" from Tipperary Hill, as she would tell anyone.

Ellen was predeceased by her husband, John L. DeFio whom she adored, her dear brother, Robert McDonald, and sisters, Sylvia Corr and Mary Wainwright.

She is survived by her children, Richard (Peggy) Wallace, William Wallace, Thomas Wallace, James (Diane) Wallace and Elena DeFio Kean (Andrew Kean), her stepson, John (Donna) DeFio, two step daughters, (Pauline and Virginia), fourteen grandchildren, Jennette, Scott, Jamie, Andrea, Amanda, Zach, Sean, Shannon, Cassie, Richie, Erin, Anna, Finley and Riley, thirteen great grandchildren, sisters, Maureen (Bernard) Malay and Anne (David) Burgmeier, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 9:30am at St. Patrick's Church, Tipp Hill. Calling hours will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024 from 4 to 7pm at the Edward J. Ryan and Son Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave. Burial will be in Assumption Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hunger Project c/o Syracuse St Patrick's Parade, PO Box 11775, Syracuse, NY 13218.