A Life of Learning and Giving Back: Jack & Ellen Keosseian

For Jack and Ellen Keosseian, life has always centered on learning, giving back and creating meaningful connections—values that continue to shape their vibrant lives at Cornwall Manor today.

Ellen’s journey began in the Wilmington, Delaware suburbs before her family relocated to Newark when she was in seventh grade. Growing up in a family of educators, she developed an early love for reading and writing. That passion was strengthened by an inspiring high school English teacher, setting her on a path to pursue education herself. She attended the University of Delaware and went on to earn her master’s degree, embarking on a remarkable 31-year career teaching English at Calvert High School in Southern Maryland from 1980 to 2011. Throughout her career, Ellen taught every level of English, nurturing generations of students with the same inspiration that once guided her.

It was at Calvert High School that Ellen met Jack—her colleague and future husband. Jack’s path to education was uniquely shaped. Growing up in Brooklyn, New York, he was studying to become a priest before college. He went on to attend St. Francis College, where he majored in English. Eventually, he chose a career in education, earning dual master’s degrees—one in English from the College of Staten Island and another in Administration and Supervision from Bowie State University.

During his early years, Jack explored his creative side, trying stand-up comedy and even auditioning for a role in the film Dog Day Afternoon. Meeting actor Al Pacino was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, something Jack still describes as truly unforgettable.

His creativity and leadership later shone through in his career, particularly at Calvert High School, where he developed a highly respected internship program for gifted students. The program grew in popularity and eventually expanded to include students from neighboring high schools.

Together, Jack and Ellen made a lasting impact in the classroom—and beyond. To this day, they still keep in touch with many of their former students, which reflects the meaningful relationships they built and the lasting inspiration they provided.

After retiring, Jack and Ellen moved to Barnegat, New Jersey, to be closer to Jack’s family, spending seven years there before making the move to Cornwall Manor in October 2017. For Ellen, the transition felt like coming full circle—she had spent time in nearby Annville during her youth, and with five generations of Lebanon Valley College graduates in her family, the Lebanon County area has deep personal roots.

Their connection to Cornwall Manor runs even deeper. Ellen’s parents, Joe and Anne Shemeta, moved to the community in June 2011, followed by her aunt, Fran Bova, who moved into the Buckingham Mansion in 2012. Today, Jack and Ellen cherish being part of a familiar and welcoming community that feels like home.

Retirement has simply opened new doors for both of them to continue doing what they love—giving back. Ellen, who discovered a passion for yoga later in life, became a certified instructor and now teaches yoga and meditation classes at Cornwall Manor. She also enjoys reading, walking, traveling, spending time with Jack, and attending concerts at Mt. Gretna and within the community. She even took the stage in CM Sings!, sharing her love of music with fellow residents.

Jack has also made a lasting impact at Cornwall Manor. In 2022, he launched a Pen Pal program in partnership with Cornwall Elementary School, pairing residents with students. The initiative fosters meaningful connections while supporting students’ writing skills and offering residents a sense of purpose, engagement and companionship. Additionally, Jack created the community’s Variety Show during his time as chairperson of the Residents Association Wellness Committee, further enriching life at Cornwall Manor.

Together, Jack and Ellen also lend their time and energy to events like the annual Blooms & More Festival, embodying their shared commitment to community involvement.

Even as they face challenges—Jack was recently diagnosed with cancer—their outlook remains inspiring. They describe life at Cornwall Manor as “being on vacation,” citing the beautiful surroundings, supportive healthcare onsite and most importantly, the warmth of the people around them. The love, prayers, and encouragement they’ve received from fellow residents and staff have been deeply meaningful during this time.

Through every chapter of their lives, Jack and Ellen have stayed true to who they are—educators, innovators and compassionate community members. Still engaged, still optimistic and still giving back, they continue to make Cornwall Manor a better place for all who call it home.