Ellen J. Danielson

Ellen Danielson, Boston public school teacher, philanthropic worker, and dedicated volunteer, died peacefully on Sunday, December 11 in her home at the Willows in Westboro, MA. Born in 1926, Ellen had turned 96 on December 8. She will be remembered as a person of compassion, resilience, humor and grace by her loving family and friends, including her daughter, Judy Danielson, cherished son-in-law Tom Gilmore, brother Emile Jacques, sister-in-law Mary Jacques, brother-in-law Ted Danielson; nieces and nephews Tom Gilson, John Jacques, Paul Jacques, Cindy Jacques, Julie Danielson, Karen Danielson, Annie Gilson, Patty Gilson and Kathy Mason; her former husband, John Danielson and her very dear friend and companion, Ted Edson.

She had said goodbye to many other friends and family over the years, including her beloved daughters Kathy and Janet; her sister Marie Gilson and Marie’s husband Tom Gilson; her brother Jack Jacques and his wife Carol; her niece and traveling companion, Muffy; her nephew Billy; her niece Elise; her mother and father in-law, John and Edna Danielson, dear friend Fred Rosen, and her best friend and roommate, Marion Briefer.

Ellen always gave of herself to others. It came naturally, whether it was as a teacher who chose to leave the suburbs to teach in the city, a volunteer who taught English as a second language into her nineties, an amazing mother, or as a friend quietly helping someone in need. Forever seeing the best  in people, she put others first in thought and action. She endured adversity and hardship with true strength and grace, always able to find joy, happiness and fun in life.

Ellen loved travel, big band music, dancing, socializing, bicycling, swimming, reading, the PBS News Hour, the ‘Why Not’ house in Maine, the MFA, elephants, the churches in Venice, dogs, Italy, beating anyone at cards, and a well-made gin and tonic. She had no patience for math or Brussels sprouts. Ellen was understatedly elegant in her style and manner, but could be caught wearing a silly hat if the occasion called for it.

Ellen’s character and her life were inspirational. Please read more about Ellen, view photos or post your thoughts and memories at this website: https://mconnors8.wixsite.com/ellendanielson

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to one of the charities listed on the above website.

A private family reception will be held in January.