Ellen Platt

Ellen D. Platt, 79, of Walnut Creek, California, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 4, 2025. She was surrounded by friends and family and will be sincerely missed. She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Ryan Platt; her children and their spouses: Richard Platt (Ruth Tillman), Emily Watson (Matthew), Kevin Platt (Erin), and Danny Platt (Lizzy); eight grandchildren: Audrey, Lillian, John, Aidan, Ella, Emma, Claire, and Molly; and her sisters Sheila Scannell, Jean Nieswand, and her brother Tom Doherty. She joins her siblings Dr. Phil Doherty, Joseph Doherty, Mary Cormier, and Dan Doherty in eternal rest. Ellen was a committed parishioner of St. John Vianney Church in Walnut Creek for many decades, and her memorial will be held at St. John Vianney on March 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. with reception to follow, and all are invited to attend. Ellen will be buried at Queen of Heaven Cemetery in Lafayette, California, in a private ceremony.

Ellen was a devoted wife and mother, and successfully raised her four children over her 53-year-long marriage to Ryan. Born in Dorchester, Massachusetts on May 23, 1945, Ellen was the sixth of eight children and grew up very close to her family. She was raised in Dorchester and graduated from Boston College School of Nursing with a Bachelor’s degree and became a Registered Nurse (RN). Upon graduation she volunteered for a year as a Jesuit missionary in Saint Marys, Alaska. Upon her return, she was employed at Boston University Hospital and quickly advanced to head nurse. During her time as a nurse, she met a young doctor who caught her eye and soon Ryan and Ellen were wed. After he finished his fellowship they moved to Walnut Creek, California, where they lived together for the next 51 years. Ellen always held the city of Boston close and they returned often to visit her seven siblings.

Ryan and Ellen shared a passion for traveling and circled the globe after their children left home. They visited China, India, Africa, South America, Israel, the Baltic, and Europe, and most recently the Great Lakes, sharing their trips with anyone willing to tag along.

Ellen was a kind and giving soul who will be sorely missed but fondly remembered.

In lieu of gifts or flowers, please consider a donation to the Parkinson’s Foundation, Parkinson.org.