Mrs. Ellen Kelleher Guillette

August 16, 1939 - December 19, 2018

ATTLEBORO - Ellen Kelleher Guillette, 79, of Attleboro passed away at her home on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2018. She was born at Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport on Aug. 16, 1939, the daughter of the late Timothy and Kathryn (Quirk) Kelleher. She was raised and educated in Newburyport, Mass. After graduating from Newburyport High School, Class of 1957, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Regis College in Weston in 1961. She then returned to her hometown to teach history at Newburyport High School before moving to Attleboro in 1962, when she married her college sweetheart, Charles Raymond Guillette. A spirited and devoted mother, she lovingly raised three children. She returned to teaching first as a substitute teacher in the Attleboro schools, then as a volunteer teaching assistant at Willett School in Attleboro, finally becoming a full-time 5th grade teacher for several years at St. Mary-Sacred Heart School in North Attleboro. Ellen’s boundless love for family and friends was at the center of her life. Her children and grandchildren were her truest delight and she followed their daily adventures and milestones with relish. She cherished and tended friendships from all stages of her life and drew people to her with her kindness, thoughtfulness, impish grin and ever-present sense of humor. Her approachable, down-to-earth nature and great memory for details about others made them feel like they were the most important person in the room. Ellen was always willing to listen no matter what was going on in her life, offering insightful and non-judgmental encouragement. She knew just what to say to make you feel better. Ellen wrote hilarious, newsy emails, and wove creative tales featuring elves, leprechauns and woodland creatures for the enjoyment of her friends and family. She loved to follow current events, and her curiosity about the world was infectious. She enjoyed researching her ancestors and Irish heritage and telling stories about growing up in Newburyport, especially about her father T. Francis Kelleher, city solicitor to the infamous Newburyport mayor Andrew “Bossy” Gillis. Ellen was an avid fan of the World Series Champion Red Sox, a voracious reader and a loyal member of the Bluebirds Book Club. She faithfully attended St. John the Evangelist parish in Attleboro since 1962, where she volunteered for many years, including serving on the liturgical committee. She was President and member of the North Purchase Club in Attleboro and also worked at the Attleboro polls on Election Day. In her final years, with the devotion of her husband and her daughter, Ellen rose to the challenge of her health issues with extraordinary courage, strength and humor. The family would like to thank the staff at Sturdy Memorial Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Community VNA, and especially her private nurses Stephanie Drago and Rose Cadet for their loving and attentive care in her home. In addition to her dear husband Charles of 56 years, Ellen leaves her son Timothy Guillette; her son Andrew Guillette, his wife Lauren (Malatesta) Guillette and their three children Andrew, William and Caroline; her daughter Mary Ann Guillette and her husband Ethan Gilsdorf; her sister, Mary Lou (Kelleher) Homan and her husband Richard; many beloved nieces, nephews, and countless friends. In addition to her parents, her brother Joseph Kelleher; her sister-in-law, Dennice (Guillette) Loew; her dearest friend from the fifth grade, Mary Lou (Bresnahan) Fowler; and her college friend, Elaine (Wood) Lombardi predecease her. Ellen will be greatly missed. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to honor and remember Ellen by gathering for a Visitation on Wednesday, Dec. 26 from 4 to 8 p.m., at Duffy-Poule Funeral Home, 20 Peck Street, Attleboro. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, Dec. 27 at 11 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 133 North Main Street, Attleboro. Graveside Services will be held Friday, Dec. 28 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Newburyport. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to Globe Santa (globesanta.org).