Athol, MA – Ellen M Chase (Leete,) 66, passed away at UMass medical center Wednesday night following an illness. Though she happily bore many titles- wife, sister, daughter, aunt, teacher, friend- her pride and joy were her children and grandchildren, whom she so fiercely loved and protected.
She dedicated her life and career to caregiving, serving vulnerable communities with the utmost love and respect. Disabled adults in group home settings and troubled teens in alternative schools alike adored her just as much as she did them. She spent the last 15+ years before her retirement as an autism paraprofessional, following a select few students from kindergarten until 6th grade. She threw her heart into her work, never failing to keep lifelong connections with her students and their families.
Following her retirement, she enjoyed fishing, mushroom foraging, crocheting, birdwatching, and spending days with her dad.
Ellen is survived by her father Earl; Scott, her loving husband of 26 years; her children- Angela and her husband Pat; Michael and his partner Sarah; Mark and his partner Aurora; David; Stephanie, and her wife Jess; grandchildren- Amanda, Spencer, Brenton, Kahlen, Isabella, Nevaeh and Noah (who have grown up in her home), Lexi, Grayson (and her grandpup Eamon); sisters- Ann and Bertie, along with many beloved nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth.
Ellen has asked that no services be held. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in her honor to Autism Speaks.
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