BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS — Claire Johnston Ellis, b. February 17, 1922 in Beverly Massachusetts, passed away peacefully May 20, 2017 at the Caldwell Home in Fitchburg Massachusetts, predeceased by her husband, Robert Horswood Ellis survived by her children Tamison and Doug Doey, Scott Thomas and Susan Ellis(nee Westberg), Meridith and Tony Ammendolia, and Glen Thomas and Susan Ellis (nee Russell), as well as 13 grand children and 11 great grandchildren.

Claire was a graduate of Kathleen Dell School, but gave up a career as a medical secretary to raise her children, living in Grand Island, N.Y., Newton Massachusetts, Honolulu, Hawaii, Concord Mass, South Harpswell, Maine, returning to Massachusetts at the end of her life.

She was active in politics, including the school board in Concord and in a successful effort to prevent activities that would impair the quality of life in Harpswell.

A devout Catholic throughout her life, she was active in parish life, worked with prisoners and with the Salvation Army to support those less well off. She was a member of the Dames (wives of the engineers who worked for MIT), the Milldames in Concord , the auxiliary of the EMS service in Harpswell, and a frequent contributor to print media.

She loved good conversation and could play any song on the piano which she played by ear.

She was particularly loved by her many descendants who adored her ability to love them, tell jokes, play cards and accept them without reservation. She requested that we “pray for those imprisoned”. Our loss is heaven’s gain.

Visitation will be held Saturday June 3rd from 8:30 until 9:45 am at the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord MA followed by a funeral Mass in Holy Family Parish, Monument Square, Concord MA at 10 am.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to

Caldwell Home, 10 Prospect Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420.

Arrangements are under the care of Charles W. Dee and Susan M. Dee, Dee Funeral Home of Concord. For online guest book please visit www.deefuneralhome.com.