OTTOMAN—Ellen Janet Lally of Ottoman passed away peacefully in her home on March 26, 2026, surrounded lovingly by family.
Ellen was born in Montclair, N.J., on October 11, 1943, to the late Henry Percevault Sr. and Gertrude Carpenter Percevault of Montclair.
Ellen attended Our Lady of the Lake Catholic School in Verona, N.J. and graduated from Verona High School with the class of 1961. Ellen went on to attend Caldwell College in Caldwell, N.J. where she completed her bachelor’s in biology.
Ellen joins her late husband, Timothy Neil Lally Sr, whom she wed December 29, 1962, at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Verona; as well as her grandson, Robert Lally (d. December 2016); and brother, Henry Percevault (Doris); sister, Betty Faherty (Tom); and brother-in-law, Edward Oudt (Trudy Oudt).
She is survived by brother, Joe Percevault (Marge); sister, Gertrude ‘Trudy’ Percevault Oudt; and sister, Diane Percevault Rose (Jack).
Ellen is lovingly remembered by her children, Timothy Lally Jr. of Ottoman, (Kelley); Mary Lally of Verona, (Victor Fisher); Sean Lally of Fond du Lac, Wis., (Christine); and Patrick Lally of Ogdensburg, N.J., (Laurie); as well as dear friend, Chris Mathers. Ellen was also the proud grandparent of 11 grandchildren, including the late Robert Lally, and 14 great-grandchildren.
Ellen was immensely proud of her family, and up until just the past few months, she could be seen sitting on the bleachers at local school-events cheering on great-grandchildren. She was always happy to share the accomplishments of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren alike.
From 1989 to 2022, Ellen was the heart of her community as owner of Ellen’s Country Store (originally The Village Center), which she ran alongside her family. To her, it was more than a business—it was a place where people felt known and cared for. The Village Center was not just a place to get an amazing Italian sub for lunch or coffee and a breakfast sandwich in the wee hours of the morning.
Ellen considered her customer’s like family: She placed special ice cream orders based off her customer’s favorites, she stayed long after ‘posted hours,’ and if someone came in looking for a specific ingredient that she didn’t have in stock, she would run home and get it. Being there for her customers’ needs and coming through in a pinch was what Ellen was all about. Ellen undoubtedly acquired her sense of service and work-ethic from her parents, who owned and managed Henry’s Fine Foods in Verona, from 1930 through 1987, and is still open today.
Ellen held a sentimental place in her heart for all things nostalgic, from old buildings to old movies (Lilies of the Field). Ellen had an insatiable love of learning and could be described as a walking, talking encyclopedia: She knew something about literally everything. Ellen enjoyed literature and playing cards or Scrabble with friends and family as well as visiting historic places and traveling, which she did with a cheerful spirit right until the past few months. Ellen was deeply proud of her 31 years of sobriety, a journey she credited to AA, the steadfast love and support of her family and friends, and above all, her faith in God.
Ellen was diagnosed with an aggressive lung cancer in December 2025 and spent a few months thereafter receiving wonderful care and service at VCU Medical Center in Richmond, until March 6, when she decided to begin Hospice care at home surrounded by her loving family.
Ellen will forever be remembered for the brilliant, devoted, and selfless human being she was to all who knew her.
A memorial service and fellowship will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 11, at Corrotoman Baptist Church in Ottoman. And if you feel so inclined, wear Ellen’s favorite color (green).
Currie Funeral Home LLC of Kilmarnock handled the arrangements.
