Obituary of Margaret Rose (Murphy) Ellis

Margaret R. (Murphy) Ellis, 76, of Salem and formerly of Peabody, died Friday evening at Salem Hospital following a long illness; both her daughters were at her side. She was the wife of the late Frank William Ellis. Born in Peabody, she was the daughter of the late Leo and Helena (Donovan) Murphy. She attended Peabody Schools and was a graduate of Peabody High School, class of 1946. She continued on with her education and received a BS in Physical Education from Boston University’ s Sergent College in 1950. She taught physical education in the Salem Public School system, the Salem YMCA and at Keene High School in Keene, NH. She was an aide at the Phillips School in Salem, and volunteered at Salem Hospital. She also worked at Holyoke Insurance Company in Salem and prior to her retirement, she worked as a receptionist for the North Shore Elder Services in Danvers. A devoted mother, she will be remembered for her gentle caring of others, her wonderful sense of humor, and the generous love she gave to so many. She loved animals and enjoyed reading, painting, and music. She is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Susan Ellis Pisano and her husband Robert Pisano of Seattle, WA, and Kathleen M. Ellis of Houston, TX, as well as a sister-in-law, Geraldine Ellis of Peabody and several nieces and nephews. She was the sister of the late Ruth Freeman. Her funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 9:00 AM from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 12 Chestnut St., Peabody Facility, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM in Immaculate Conception Church, Salem to which relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visitation on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. Burial in St. Mary’ s Cemetery, Salem. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the Northeast Animal Shelter, 204 Highland Ave, Salem, MA 01970