Ellen Harootunian

Ellen Dorgan Harootunian, 86, of Delmar, New York, passed away peacefully on August 16, 2026.

Born November 10, 1939, in Watertown, NY, Ellen was the daughter of Richard W. and Eileen G. Dorgan. She most recently made her home in Delmar, where she lived for 24 years.

Ellen graduated from Adams High School in 1957 and from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh in 1961 with a Bachelor's degree in Nursing. With a lifelong love of learning, she earned her Master of Arts in Liberal Studies in the seventies and her Master of Social Work from Stony Brook University in 1987.

As a nurse and social worker, Ellen fulfilled her personal mission to serve the communities around her. Right out of college, she worked as a school nurse at Bicycle Path Elementary School in Selden, NY. She later taught college-level nursing at Kings Park State Hospital and served as a rural public health nurse in Schoharie County. As a pioneering social worker during the early years of the AIDS epidemic, she brought calm, compassion, and solace to a community in crisis at Stony Brook Hospital. She spent her final years working as a psychiatric social worker at Columbia Memorial Hospital in Hudson, New York.

In retirement, Ellen was a passionate advocate for universal health care and served as a board member and treasurer of the Capital District Alliance for Universal Health Care. She also derived great joy from her longtime membership in the Bethlehem Senior Choir.

Ellen is survived by her siblings Sue Whitehead and John (Gloria) Dorgan; her son, Joe (Ding Li) Stevens of Singapore; her daughters, Sheri (Ray) Stevens of Delmar, NY, and Jan (Derek) Klaehn of Madison, WI; the seven grandchildren who brought light to her eyes and joy to her heart, Joe, Micaela, Eddie, Kate, Maddy, Elena, and Gabby; and her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Berj Harootunian, brothers Tom Dorgan and Dick Dorgan, dear brother-in-law, Dan Whitehead, and former husband, Joe Stevens, with whom she raised her children.

Above all, Ellen will be remembered for her caring heart and unwavering belief in making the world a better place. She had a unique gift for recognizing when someone was in need and responding with compassion and understanding. Her special way of making people feel heard, respected, and cared for will be deeply missed by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

No formal funeral services are planned. The family will celebrate her life at a later date. Please donate to your favorite charity or do something good in your local community in Ellen’s honor.