Ellen Marie (Ryan) Pfeiffer, 87, of Lancaster, died Sunday, May 6, 2012 at the Mennonite Home Care Campus surrounded by her family.  Born in Springfield, IL, she was the daughter of the late Minnie (Piloni) and James J. Ryan, Sr.  Ellen was the wife of James C. Pfeiffer with whom they celebrated 65 years of marriage.

Ellen was a graduate of the Class of 1942 from Lancaster Catholic High School.  She was a member of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church.  Ellen enjoyed baking and crossword puzzles and was an avid Phillies fan.

In addition to her husband, Ellen is survived by three children: Patricia Ann Miller of Lancaster, Barbara Ann Pfeiffer of Lancaster and Mark Anthony Pfeiffer of Mt. Joy; and a brother: Martin Ryan, husband of Evelyn, of Lancaster.  She was a proud grandmother of four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Ellen was preceded in death by two brothers: Albert Ryan and James J. Ryan, Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, May 11, 2012 at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church, 2427 Marietta Ave., Lancaster, PA 17601 with Rev. Peter I. Hahn as Celebrant.  Family and friends will be received from 10:30-11:30 AM at church.  Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family at St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery, Bausman.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer's Association, South Central PA Chapter, 3544 N. Progress Ave., Suite 205, Harrisburg, PA 17110.  To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory 717-393-9661