Ellen McKenna Benedict's Obituary
Ellen McKenna Benedict, of North Andover M.A, passed away peacefully alongside her family at the age of 87 on April 7th at the High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill MA after a long and well fought battle with Congestive Heart Failure.
She was born in Lawrence M.A on September 12th, 1931. She was the daughter of the late Dennis and Catherine (Doyle) McKenna. Ellen was predeceased by her son, Stephen Benedict, and her sister, Elizabeth McKenna. Ellen was a graduate of the St. Mary’s High School class of 1949 and Lowell State College class of 1953. Ellen taught in Springfield M.A , St. Monicas School, Methuen MA, and for many years with the Lawrence Public School’s. After retirement, she volunteered at the Lawrence History Center, Lawrence Public School’s, and at the library for St. Mary’s School in Lawrence, MA.
She was a member of St. Mary’s Parish having been baptized there as was her father 40 years before her birth.
Ellen enjoyed traveling and was always excited to try new foods. She was an avid reader and also enjoyed writing poetry. She was a dedicated educator and a lifetime learner. She greatly enjoyed spending time with her family and caring for her friends and neighbors.
She leaves her devoted daughter Susan Comeau and her husband Ross Comeau of Andover, MA, and her dearly loved grandchildren, Andrew Comeau of Andover M.A and Catherine Comeau and her fiancé John Gendron of Pelham N.H. She also leaves her brother Paul McKenna of Nashua, NH and his daughter Jennifer Coy, of Nashua N.H, as well her sister Catherine Kelly of Wakefield, MA. She also leaves behind her two “adopted” grandchildren, Mike Piergeorge of Haverhill, MA and Katya Kaminsky of Studio City, C.A.
A special thanks to Nurse Bridget Pearson of the Merrimack Valley Home Health VNA who cared for Ellen over the past year and provided her with exceptional care and love. Another special thanks to the High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill, MA for also providing exceptional care and comfort for Ellen and her family.
In compliance with Ellen’s wishes, funeral services and calling hours are private. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the High Pointe Hospice House in Haverhill, MA or just performing a special act of kindness in memory of Ellen. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the John Breen Memorial Funeral Home Inc. 122 Amesbury Street, Lawrence, MA, 01841. To leave an online condolence please visit our website at: www.breenfuneralhome.com.
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