Ellen Coughlin

Ellen Coughlin (nee Waznik), 67, of Manhasset, Long Island, New York, passed away from secondary breast cancer, on April 28, 2023. Ellen was predeceased by her parents, Walter W. and Regina M. Waznik of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania and is survived by her husband Francis, and sons Kevin, Francis III (Alexa), William (Elizabeth) and daughter Alice, and granddaughter Maeve. She is also survived by her siblings Paul (Tammy) of Enola, Pennsylvania, sister Kathryn of Scranton, Pennsylvania, her brothers in law Dennis (Nancy), Robert and was predeceased by her brother-in-law Timothy (Maura Coughlin-Roberti). Ellen was cherished by many nephews, nieces and dear friends.

The Nicholas Center and Edelson have been working together to place young adults in the Supported Employment Program at Smusht.

Jacqueline Franchetti pushes Kyra’s stroller with lawmakers in Albany. They are urging the passage of Kyra’s Law ahead of the end of the Legislative session. (Photo by Kyra’s Champions) horrified and hard-pressed to understand how the court involved in this case ignored the numerous warning signs of abusive behavior and gave Kyra’s father the green light for unsupervised visitation. Instances of domestic violence require enhanced attention and sensitivity on the part of our family courts, and lawmakers must act quickly to prevent further harm to New York’s children. I urge my colleagues to advance Kyra’s Law for a vote before the clock runs out on this meaningful, life-saving reform.”

“Our state failed Kyra at every turn and she should be here today,” said Hevesi, who sponsors the legislation in the Assembly and chairs the Children and Families Committee. “I applaud Jacqueline Franchetti for her tenacity and unwavering dedication to ensure that no other parent has to endure the unimaginable pain and suffering that comes with losing a child. We must do everything possible to prioritize the health and safety of children going through family court, believe survivors, and protect those that cannot protect themselves.”

—Submitted by Kyra’s Champions

“When I originally thought of this idea, I had this desire to help children in need. And then that evolved into why does it have to be children? It can be anybody,” said Edelson. “I wasn’t specifically thinking of working with people on the spectrum. But knowing that The Nicholas Center is right here, it seemed like the perfect match.”

Edelson hosted an orientation for all of the employees to meet and learn the ropes of the shop. The employees radiated a welcoming vibe and created an inclusive environment where everyone felt comfortable learning about the shop and making friends.

Ellen was born at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Jamaica, Queens and lived in Flushing through the third grade until her father (PDNY patrol officer) retired and moved the family to Wilkes-Barre. Ellen was blessed with the twin gifts of a keen intellect and untiring work ethic. She graduated second (salutatorian) in the 1973 class of Central Catholic High School in Kingston, Pennsylvania earning a full academic Presidential Scholarship to the University of Scranton. She graduated magna cum laude from Scranton in 1977 with a triple major of Communications, Business Administration and English. Ellen earned a St. Thomas More Scholarship to St. John’s University School of Law where she was awarded a Juris Doctor degree in 1980. Thereafter Ellen earned a Masters of Law with a concentration in taxation from New York University School of Law in 1984. After law school (where she met her husband Frank) Ellen joined the tax department of Coopers & Lybrand (now PWC) and remained with PWC until shortly after the birth of her third child. Ellen also was involved in the estates and tax service of the law practice of her father-in-law success,” said Miller.

At the beginning of May, Smusht had a soft launch for the employees to get used to the work process and for friends and family to come to the shop and try out the product. Some individuals on the spectrum from The Nicholas Center came down to see their friends in action at their job and get a sweet treat.

The Nicholas Center Co-Founder, Stella Spanakos, visited Smusht and got a delicious cone while observing The Nicholas Center participants at work with the community.

Francis J. Coughlin, Sr.

‘[Edelson’s] been on board with our mission and really trying to find a way to work together and collaborate to create a neuro-inclusive work environment,” said Miller. “He has been accommodating their needs. That’s one of the most important parts of creating a neuro-inclusive work environment, having different types of systems and things in place to accommodate certain needs.”

Smusht has visual aids and a lot of color coordination to make the transition into learning the job smoother. The color coordination and visual aids not only help the employees, but it makes ordering easier for customers as well.

Ellen was active in volunteerism as a member of the boards of Our Lady of Grace Montessori School and Center Inc., and Adventures in Learning, Inc., an after-school program for economically disadvantaged Manhasset primary school age children. For ten years she was a volunteer for the Manhasset Women’s Coalition Against Breast Cancer. Ellen was a woman of strong faith and participated in the faith formation, youth and outreach ministries of Saint Mary’s Parish in Manhasset. Ellen also served as Vice President of the Plandome (Country Club) Ladies Golf Organization.

“We just love the fact that the community is approaching us with opportunities to allow our participants and their job coaches to come in. It’s really the ultimate inclusivity when it comes to community,” said Spanakos. “We’re offering great opportunities and a big dose of compassion.”

Spanakos pointed out a young man at the counter with his job coach coming to Smusht as a consumer. “He’s working on his money skills, communication and articulating what he wants. Then on the other side of the counter, you have someone on the spectrum working. They are putting all their training and skills into practice. It’s perfect.”

Friends And Family Paid Their Respects At Fairchild Sons Funeral Home at 1570 Northern Boulevard, Manhasset.

“I want this place to be an inclusive place for everybody and having an inclusive workforce is part of that,” said Edelson. “It’s really been incredibly rewarding. I think it’s a great collaboration for The Nicholas Center and us and hopefully can just get people in the community to be more understanding and appreciative for people that have different needs in terms of learning.”

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Memory of Ellen Coughlin to “St Vincent de Paul at St. Mary’s Manhasset” c/o St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church

1300 Northern Boulevard, Manhasset NY 11030

Smusht is set to open its doors to Port this month. Residents are invited to enjoy an ice cream sandwich or cone in the fun and bright interior of Smusht. The shop is flowing with colorful tables and chairs, fun art on the walls, and an upstairs decorated with sprinkles. Adrienne Mandelberger of Almond Hill Interiors worked with Edelson to create the classic ice cream shop vibe combining with a modern look.

“[Edelson’s] really setting up everyone for

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 1300 Northern Boulevard, Manhasset New York 11030. Interment followed at Calvary Cemetery, First Division, Queens, New York. 240838 M

Visit Smusht at 158 Main St. in Port Washington and follow @Smusht on Instagram or Facebook to stay up to date on the ice cream sandwich journey.

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Open House

Saturday, May 19th | 12:00 - 3:00 pm

Sunday, May 20th | 12:00 - 3:00 pm

Jane Walsh

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Maryann Ressa

Real Estate Salesperson

516.883.2900, c.516.996.3740 maryannressa@danielgale.com