Longtime Amityville resident and St. Martin of Tours R.C. Church parishioner Ellen T. Haist died July 5, 2008 at her home. She was 90.

She was born on August 6, 1917 in Brooklyn to Patrick and Ellie (Harte) Downing. She devoted her life to the care of her family and home. For more than 58 years, she lived on Oldfield Avenue in Amityville where she loved to garden. She was also active with POSCA, an organization for children with special needs, and ran the organization's thrift shop.

Mrs. Haist leaves behind her children: Eileen D'Alessio and her husband Clemente of Manhattan, Martin and his wife Beth of Claremore, Oklahoma and Mary Ellen of West Hampton Beach. Her grandchildren Daniel and Francesca D'Alessio and Michelle Fairley also survive her, as do her great-grandchildren: Jonathan and Robert Fairley. She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Eugene C., in August 2004.

Deacon John Sheehan conducted a prayer service at the Powell Funeral Home, Amityville, on July 8, 2008. Rev. Father Richard T. Stelter, pastor, officiated at the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Martin's of Tours R.C. Church, Amityville, on July 9, 2008, assisted by the Consolation Ministry and members of the family. Interment followed in Calverton National Cemetery.

Donations in Mrs. Haist's name can be made to the Association of Retarded Children, 2900 Veterans Memorial Highway, Bohemia, New York 11716.