Ellen Kievit

Ellen Margaret Hanna Kievit of Carlisle, PA, passed away on May 23, 2025. Her sudden loss was unexpected and has left a large hole in the hearts of not just her family and friends, but also of the larger Carlisle community.

Ellen was born on December 27, 1951, to Stafford and Patricia Hanna in Beacon, NY. She was the oldest of six siblings and celebrated being number one! She graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s Academy in 1969 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Fredonia.

Ellen married James O. Kievit on May 27, 1973, and together they traveled the world with the U.S. Army. Ellen started her career as a 2nd-grade teacher in Fort Hood, TX. Her calling to teach continued throughout her life and took on many styles, including jobs and volunteer roles at Flower Valley Elementary School, the Employment Skills Center (formerly the OIC), Bosler Library, and Project SHARE. When James retired from the Army, Ellen was eager to plant roots and build community in Carlisle. She continued to volunteer with the above institutions long after “retiring” and added many more, including regular deliveries for Meals on Wheels. Ellen was a servant of the community and a regular volunteer, and that was something she shared with her children and grandchildren, often bringing one or more along for meal deliveries or food distribution.

In the ‘90s, she augmented her formal education and her devotion to the Catholic faith with an M.A. in Theology from Mount Saint Mary’s University. Ellen was an active member of Saint Patrick Catholic Church. She held many roles in the parish over the last thirty years, including leading the lector ministry, teaching at RCIA, reading the Word as a lector, and facilitating and attending adult faith formation programs. She was filled with God’s grace, and so many were blessed to be touched by her actions and involvement with His Word.

Ellen and James shared a deep love for downtown life, often seen walking—together or on their own—to the library, the grocery store, local shops, or to visit friends. Whether attending parades or community concerts, they would pull up their lawn chairs or open their front porch to celebrate the joy of small-town living. Ellen had a true affection for Carlisle and its people, and she was passionate about sharing that love and sense of community with everyone around her.

Ellen is survived by her husband, James O. Kievit; her three children, James A. Kievit, Sr., of Tampa, FL, Margaret Macheca of Haslet, TX, and Katherine (Chris) Smith of Carlisle, PA; and eight grandchildren, Molly Macheca, James A. Kievit, Jr., Colin Macheca, Merritt Kievit, Cole Smith, Claire Macheca, Katie Macheca and Alexander Hasse. She is also survived by her five siblings, Elizabeth (Bill Buchalter) Hanna of Middletown, NY, Phillip (Julie) Hanna of NC, Clare (Michael) Mandia of Wappingers Falls, NY, Jennifer (Marsha Crawford) Hanna of Tenino, WA, and Martin (Kerry) Hanna of Easley, SC; and a number of cherished nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass of Christan Burial will be held Monday, June 30, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the St. Patrick Catholic Church, 85 Marsh Drive, Carlisle, PA 17015 with Rev. Donald Bender officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to services and burial will take place in the St. Patrick Cemetery. Arrangements are being handled by Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Mt. Holly Springs.