Barbara Ellen Michael

Barbara Ellen Magrogan Michael, a beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Lewes, Delaware, on June 25, 2025.

Born on October 7, 1951, in Baltimore City, Ellen's journey through life was marked by her unwavering dedication and kindness.

A graduate of Mercy High School, Ellen pursued her interest in nursing and earned a degree at Union Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, followed by a B.S. in Mathematics from Towson University and an M.S. in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University.

Her career began as a floor nurse at a local VA hospital, where her compassionate care and commitment to service quickly earned her the position of head nurse in 1973. She continued to shine in her nursing career at Good Samaritan Hospital and Franklin Square, later contributing to public health initiatives and the Red Cross. However, it was in 1981 that Ellen found her dream job as a cryptanalyst within the Department of Defense, a role in which she thrived for an impressive 36 years.

Ellen was known not just for her professional achievements but for her remarkable personality. She had a great sense of humor that warmed the hearts of all who knew her, and her hard work and reliability made her a treasured member of both her professional community and her family. Family-oriented and deeply caring, she created a nurturing environment for her loved ones.

Throughout her life, Ellen also pursued various interests beyond her career. She had a passion for collecting lighthouse memorabilia and spent countless hours researching her family tree, tracing her roots back multiple generations. An avid traveler and reader, she kept herself informed on current events, always eager to engage in meaningful conversations with friends and family. Her time spent volunteering for the Rehoboth Museum, the Library of Congress, the Blood Bank, and the VA reflected her generous spirit and desire to give back to the community.

Ellen is survived by her devoted husband, Louis Michael; her loving son, Philip Michael; and her daughter-in-law, Cara Michael. She always enjoyed going to the annual Schauber-Magrogan family reunions and maintained close relationships with her cousins. She cherished her friendships, including a close bond with her long-time good friend, Janet Schurman.

Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, John and Marie Magrogan, who instilled in her the values of hard work and compassion that defined her life.

A memorial service to celebrate Ellen's life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in the chapel of Berry-Short Funeral Home, 119 NW Front St. Milford, DE 19963. A time of visitation for family and friends will begin at 11am, and the services will take place at 12pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you send donations in Ellen's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org/donate. 

As we remember Ellen, we celebrate a remarkable woman whose legacy will continue to inspire. Her laughter, wisdom, and unwavering love will be deeply missed by all those fortunate enough to have known her.