Obituary of Ellen D. (Doherty) Carpenter

Ellen D. (Doherty) Carpenter 66, of Nahant, wife of Kenneth D. Carpenter, died unexpectedly at her winter home in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Ellen was born in Salem, on August 21, 1948, the daughter of the late Francis and Mary (Quinn) Doherty. She was raised in Peabody and graduated from Bishop Fenwick in 1966. She pursued her education at Marion Court College where she received her Associates Degree. Ellen attended the Northeast Yellow Bird Flight Attendant School, and at a later time the company was acquired by Delta. Ellen’s career as a flight attendant spanned over 33 years retiring shortly following 9/11. Ellen was a loving mother who devoted her life to creating a home for her family and assured that her 2 sons had many recreational, educational and athletic opportunities making sure to be present and supportive at their games. Later, her life also revolved around her grandchildren who called her Nanie. Ellen was proud of her Irish heritage and also a very spiritual person who loved the ocean and was especially fond of watching the sunrises both at home and in Florida. As hobbies she enjoyed exercising, traveling and reading. In addition to her husband Ken, she is survived by 2 sons, Ian D. Croall and his wife Cheryl of Dallas, TX, and Colin D. Carpenter and his girlfriend Amanda Coleman both of Nahant; 2 step children, Kelly and her husband, Joe Rigol of Peabody and Jonathan Carpenter of Danvers; 5 grandchildren, Declan Croall, Kellsey Carpenter, Julia Carpenter, Jenna Rigol and Sean Rigol, and she was also expecting another granddaughter in 10 weeks whose name will be Callie; 4 sisters and their husbands, Kathleen Doherty of Marblehead, Margaret and Raymond Harrington of Swampscott, Sheila and Michael Petrillo of Peabody, and Patricia and Michael Marenghi of Hamilton; many nieces, nephews, cousins, numerous friends and her loyal Terrier companion Bella. Ellen was pre deceased 33 years ago by her 1st husband, John Croall. Her family will receive relatives and friends on Sunday, February 15, 2015 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. Ellen’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, February 16, 2015 at 10 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 248 Nahant Road, Nahant. Due to the inclement weather her family has requested that friends go directly to the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ellen’s memory to the Child Neurology Foundation, www.childneurologyfoundation.org/donate , (click on her name which will specify her fund) or mail to 201 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55415. A private family committal of her ashes will be held at a later time. Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for directions, online obituary and memorial guest book.