Dr. Ellen Elizabeth Hrabovsky

Dr. Ellen Elizabeth Hrabovsky passed away Thursday, April 9, 2026 in Morgantown. She was born in Lansing, Michigan on November 21, 1943. She was the first child of the late Michael Hrabovsky and Mary Alice (O'Neill) Hrabovsky. Ellen's family lived near her grandparents, Lawrence and Agnes O'Neill. She dearly loved them, spending her early years on her grandparents’ farm gave her love for the outdoors and animals.

Ellen's family moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 1954. Ellen has 3 brothers and a sister, Michael (deceased) and wife Patricia, Robert and wife Sandra, Edward and wife Sue, and Sue Hrabovsky. Ellen was an ardent traveler, and sister Sue shared numerous international adventures with her.

Dr. Hrabovsky graduated from St. Bernard Academy in 1961; George Peabody College-B.S. 1965; and Vanderbilt University School of Medicine-MD 1969. Of the 51 graduates in her class, Ellen was the only woman. She had a residency in general surgery at Vanderbilt Medical Center and a fellowship at Nationwide (Ohio State University) Children's Hospital in pediatric surgery 1974 – 1976.

Following her surgical training as a pediatric surgeon Ellen took a faculty position at WVU School of Medicine in 1979 as the first pediatric surgeon at WVU. She practiced as an excellent surgeon until 1997 when rheumatoid arthritis robbed her of the surgical skills she developed. She transitioned out of medicine to obtaining an MS in wood science, became proficient in woodworking, and an ardent supporter of the West Virginia Botanic Gardens serving as a volunteer, benefactor and sign maker. Her other love was her dogs of whom she had many. A walk in the woods around

Morgantown with her dog was a favorite pastime until she could no longer hike.

Dr. Hrabovsky always enjoyed teaching whether surgery residents or adult learners of in the Master Naturalist program in Monongalia County. She endowed the Ellen E. Hrabovsky Scholarship to help support students at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in gratitude for the aid given to her making her medical career possible. The WV Botanic Garden was a beneficiary of Ellen’s time and energy. She continued to mow the lawn around the garden grounds until her last couple of years.

No service is planned currently. Take a walk in the woods and enjoy thoughts of her life.

Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com.