Ella Rose Cahill
Ella Rose Cahill graced our lives on March 16, 2004, a cherished daughter of Kevin Cahill and Tanya Powell, and loving baby sister to many. She returned to Heaven far too soon on July 4, 2025. Ella was a radiant soul whose presence lingered in the hearts of those who knew her. Her quiet strength, warmth, and the unforgettable smile she shared made the world a gentler place.
Ella was renowned for her radiant, infectious smile—the kind that had the power to brighten even the darkest of days. Her calm presence, thoughtful words, and warm spirit offered solace to those fortunate enough to be near her. Whether comforting a friend, encouraging a teammate, or extending kindness to a stranger, Ella had a gentle ability to make everyone feel acknowledged and loved.
Born and raised in Beaumont, Texas, she attended St. Anne’s Catholic School before graduating from Kelly High School, where she excelled in softball and forged bonds that would last a lifetime. Just one year away from obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio, Ella thrived in her role as a Fitness Student Coordinator with Campus Recreation. There, she poured her heart into hiring, training, and mentoring her peers, nurturing a sense of community grounded in compassion and inclusivity.
Ella loved fiercely cherishing her family, her friends, and her high school sweetheart, Aidan Heartfield, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond. Their connection was a rare and beautiful thing. Ella and Aidan’s love story began their sophomore year of high school. They shared many quirks and interests. Their styles blended seamlessly, their humor echoed with a singular voice. Aidan opened Ella’s world beyond her beloved chicken nuggets, introducing her to a richer palette of flavors. For that and so much more, we will always hold Aidan in our hearts, grateful to have had him as a “son-in-law” and “brother-in-law” for so many years. It pains us to think of the years that have slipped away, wishing for the blessing of decades more with them together. Just recently, they crafted plans for their “dream wedding” while on vacation in May. So, if you ever find yourself at Ashford Castle in Dublin, Ireland, take a moment to remember the profound love that Ella and Aidan shared, a love that inspired and will stay in our hearts.
Ella was treasured profoundly by her father, Kevin Cahill, along with his fiancée Kristie Gunn, her mother Tanya Powell and her husband Wayne Powell, as well as her beloved siblings: Kileigh, Kyle, Kaitie, Kilian, Mackenzie, and Anna Sophia. Ella was not only a devoted sister but also a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews who adored their aunt beyond words. Her family, a beautiful blend of love and connection, surrounded her with unwavering affection. She was our late sleeper, our steady heart, and our yellow rose of Texas. Though her time with us was heartbreakingly short, the impact of her presence remains. She lived with purpose, led with kindness, and crafted a legacy of gentleness, strength, and quiet care. The void she has left will be felt in the lives she touched, the friendships she cultivated, and the light she shared so generously.
Survivors of Ella include her father, Kevin J. Cahill, and his fiancée, Kristie, of Beaumont; her mother, Tanya Powell, and her husband, Kenneth “Wayne,” also of Beaumont; her sister, Kileigh Knott, and her husband, Levi, residing in Spokane, Washington; her brother, Kyle Cahill, and his wife, Susannah, from Houston; her sister, Kaitie Cahill, of Lumberton; her brother, Kilian Cahill, and his wife, Alexa, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; her sister, Mackenzie Hodulik, and her husband, Dan, of Beaumont; and her sister, Anna Powell, of Beaumont.
She is also survived by her beloved aunts, Christine Bauer and her husband, Larry, of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware; Donna Donovan and her husband, James, of Thurmont, Maryland; and Mary Jean Kindrat of Glen Burnie, Maryland. Her uncles, Sean Cahill and his wife, Katheline, of Bethesda, Maryland; Brendan Cahill of North Beach, Maryland; and Rick Terrell and his wife, Cindy, of Woodville, also mourn her passing. Her cherished grandparents, Kenneth and Rose Powell, along with Kathy Tullos, will carry her memory in their hearts and stepbrother, Alec Rousset. Additionally, she leaves behind stepbrother, Stephen Rousset, Jr., stepsisters, Lauren Rousset, Miranda Rousset, and Brooke LeBlanc; and future stepbrothers, Trevor and Tyler Gunn, of Bridge City.
Memorial contributions may be made to organizations that embody the spirit of compassion and hope our family holds dear: the International Esperanza Project (IEP) International Esperanza Project (IEP), 3141 Hood Street, Suite 800, Dallas, Texas 75219; Heroes for Humanity; or The Salvation Army – Disaster Relief, The Salvation Army – Disaster Relief, P.O. BOX 1959, Atlanta, Georgia 30301. These contributions will extend the legacy of kindness and offer a meaningful way to honor Ella’s memory in this time of sorrow.
Ella’s family and friends will come together in remembrance from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., Friday, July 25, 2025, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 26, 2025, at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2715 Calder Avenue, Beaumont. Her interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
- 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
- July 25, 2025
- 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Mass of Christian Burial
St. Anne Catholic Church
- 2715, Calder Ave, Beaumont, TX, 77702,
- July 26, 2025
- 10:00 am
Interment
Forest Lawn Memorial Park
- 4955, Pine St, Beaumont, TX, 77703,
- July 26, 2025
Fly High with the Angels Sweetie…
Tanya, Wayne, and family,
There are no words that can bring comfort or consolation for your horrible loss. But I do believe that God likes to keep his angels close. And I’m sure that your loving Ella is having a wonderful time with Him. Much love.
Tanya, Wayne and family, I’m sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Ella will be greatly missed within the UTSA Campus Rec family. I am thankful for the time we were able to work with her. Ella was a quiet leader yet had a presence that drew staff to her. She had a great work ethic, was a great mentor, and is well respected among her peers. I will remember her kindness and her smile. She will forever be a member of the RecFam.
Laura Munroe – Executive Director, UTSA Campus Rec
I’ve been knowing you since she was about 7 months old. You was beautiful,then and you still are I love youElla rose.
I will always miss you
Ella and Aiden will be together forever, not exactly as they planned but their love for each other is eternity! God bless both families and comfort them and remember Ella and Aiden will always be together forever! That within itself should be comforting.
Dear Kevin and Tonya,
We pray that as the months pass you find comfort in the beautiful memories of your sweet Ella Rose that were created together as a family.
Mary Jean, Peter
Nick, Alexis, Chris
To the Cahill Family,
Heartfelt prayers and uplifting thoughts coming to you today and in the future. Ella was beautiful inside and out. Please accept our condolences.
My sincere condolences at the loss of your daughter.
May you and your family and friends find comfort in one another.
Dear Kevin, Tanya and family,
Please know that if we could shoulder this sorrow of losing your sweet Ella Rose, we would. She is a testament to you and your family and the love you share. Stay strong and may your memories get you through this sad time.
Love, Donna, Jim, Sean and Brian
The pain of your loss is unfathomable. May you find comfort, strength, and peace on the long road of mourning. Please accept my condolences.
To Tanya and family The family here at Green Acres are sending you Love. Our hearts are broken for you and your Family
Tanya, Wayne and all the family:
May you find peace and comfort in your shared love of Ella. I hope you know there are many who care. Let us know if we can be of any service to you.
Kevin, Tanya and Ella’s siblings,
We pray that as time passes, you find peace in the beautiful memories you created as a family with Ella Rose. Ella Rose is a bright star in God’s kingdom of eternal life.
Love,
Chris and Larry
Ella was one of my favorite people I grew up with at St. Anne’s. She was always ready for a laugh or a joke, and her laughter was always so contagious. I knew if I got a class with her it was going to be a fun one. One of my favorite memories is when Ella, Abby Peeler and I went as tacky tourists for the Halloween dance.
Her silly and caring personality is something I will always remember about her. I am so grateful to have been able to call her one of my friends. 💛
Please accept our deepest condolences to you..May our Lord bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time and in the days to come..May He wrap His loving arms around you and comfort you as only He can..We are so sorry for your loss..From Fort Worth, Texas
To the Cahill family
May God fill your heart with peace and comfort my prayers go out to the family for healing and peace. Ella RIP with our Savior Jesus Christ. I will continue to pray for the family 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. Amen.
To the Cahill Family,
I am heartbroken to learn of your loss. I am praying for comfort and healing for all of you, and that you know so many people care about your sweet and beautiful Ella. It’s obvious by the show of support she was very loved.
Debra Dallas, formerly Debra Palmer of the Newport CC/Crosby years.
Debra:
Amazing to see your thoughtful message. My email is above. I would love to reconnect. I remember the times we all enjoyed in Crosby.
Paula and I, along with all the HOW Center family extend our prayers of comfort to all of you. Our sincere condolences 🙏 🙏
As word came out about this tragic event, my family and I were hoping and praying for a safe return. To the family, please, accept our deepest condolences during this hard and unimaginable time. May, your daughter rest in peace.
The Cepeda Family
May she Rest In Peace.
Kevin and Family,
We cannot imagine your depth of grief, but The Lord can. Our words mean nothing and yet HIS words mean everything. When we do not know what to pray The Holy Spirit will Intercede for us. Psalms 34:18 says the Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 147.:3 He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. The word is alive and it heals. We love you guys! Charles & Brenda
There are no words. I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet girl Ella. Hold your memories close and she will always be with. My thoughts and prayers for the family and friends.
May his soul rest in peace! may the angles welcome her into heave!
Kevin and family
May God bless each and everyone in your family. May heaven hold a special place for Ella. My prayers are for you and your family.