The Amato Family invites you to celebrate the life of
Ellen Ann Boehnlein Amato
November 5th, 1958- March 20th, 2025
We warmly invite family and friends to join us in celebrating the life and peaceful passing of our beloved Ellen, as we gather to honor her memory and the joy she brought to us all.
This website highlights some of our favorite things to do on the island, including where to eat, stay, and shop, so you can enjoy the places Ellen loved most.
Weekend Details
Sunday, August 31st 2025
Memorial Service 10am-11am
The Historic Key West Cemetery
701 Passover Lane
Beneath the swaying palms and the sunlit skies of Key West, we will gather in the Historic Cemetery to honor Ellen’s beautiful, spirited life with an island-inspired memorial. Surrounded by the gentle ocean breeze and the laid-back charm she so adored, we celebrate her love of color, laughter, and the rhythm of the Keys. Through prayers, poetry, and music among the resting places of history, we will remember Ellen not with sorrow, but with gratitude—for the joy she brought, the memories she gifted, and the island spirit she carried so effortlessly in her heart.
*Suggested attire for all events- elegant, comfortable and chic; nothing formal. Think breezy dresses, linen shirts and comfortable shoes for strolling around the low-slung, laid-back streets of Key West.
Saturday, August 30th 2025
Gathering of Family & Friends 6pm-9pm
The Amato Family Home
911 Fleming Street
We will come together in joyful celebration of Ellen in the gardens of her most favorite place on earth known fondly as “The Vortex.” As we share stories and raise our glasses, we honor her through the flavors and libations she loved most. Whether it was a glass of perfectly chilled champagne, blue cheese stuffed olives in the filthiest martini, or dipping the island’s famous pink shrimp into Key Lime mustard, each taste brings her spirit closer. We hope this is a day of smiles, toasts, and sweet sips, just as Ellen would have wanted—full of flavor, full of love.
Friday, August 29th 2025
Drinks at 6pm & Dinner at 7pm
Bel Mare Restaurant
700 Front Street Suite 101
We warmly welcome our dear family and friends, many of whom have traveled from near and far, to join us in celebrating the life of Ellen. Together, we will gather for drinks and a sit-down dinner to honor her memory and spirit. This evening marks the beginning of a weekend devoted to sharing stories, laughter, and love in her name—a time to reflect, connect, and celebrate the beautiful life she lived and the joy she brought to each of us.
Where to Stay
All recommended hotels are within walking distance to the Amato Family Home and The Key West Cemetery.
Old Town Bakery- breakfast & lunch
Glazed- breakfast
Date & Thyme- market, breakfast & lunch
La Crepêrie French Café- breakfast & lunch
Little Pearl- dinner
El Siboney Downtown- lunch & dinner
B.O.’s Fish Wagon- lunch & dinner
Eaton Street Seafood Market- fish market, lunch & dinner
VIV Wine Bistro- dinner
Blue Heaven- breakfast, lunch & dinner
A few of our favorite places to eat:
Fort Zachary Historic State Park- best beach with amenities
The Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory- for the nature buffs
The Hemingway Home & Museum- for the history buffs
Bésame Mucho Boutique- best local shop, gifts, jewelry, apothecary
Soul House- island attire, homewares, gifts
Eaton Bikes Key West- best place to rent your wheels
Sunset Water Sports Key West- all water adventures & activities
Danger Charters- sail, snorkel, kayak adventures & activities
Some of our favorite things to do:
For those moved to honor Ellen’s legacy of charitable giving contributions can be made to the following organizations:
Florida Keys SPCA & Wesley House Family Services
