Ellen R. Saunders-Till

Ellen R. (Wotton) Saunders-Till July 5, 1924 - July 16, 2008 Our precious Mother Ellen (Wotton) Saunders-Till was received into God's loving arms on Wednesday morning, July 16th in Austin Texas at the home of her daughter, Lida Saunders with both of her daughters, Lida and Rebecca Leger holding her loving hands as she was received into heaven. Ellen was born in Chelmsford, MA, and grew up in Chelmsford and in NH. She was an excellent student and attended the Appleton Academy in NH achieving high honors. Her family moved to Fitchburg in 1948 where she lived all of her adult life. She was married to Charles Saunders, and later in life married Walter Till who preceded her in death. She is survived by her daughters, Lida Saunders of Austin, TX, and Rebecca E. Saunders-Leger and son-in-law, Don Leger, and two granddaughters, Jillian Elizabeth Leger and Kristen Alexa Leger of Chattanooga, TN; her loving sister and best friend, Lida P. LeBouf; and brother, Robert Wotton; and sister-in-law, Priscilla (Pelland) Wotton. Her cherished brother-in-law, Harold F. LeBouf died in 2004, all of Fitchburg, MA. Her cherished nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews truly enriched her life with much joy and many blessings. Ellen was a long standing member of the former Calvinistic Congregational Church in Fitchburg, now known since 1967 as Faith United Parish where she served as a Sunday school teacher for over 17 years, served several terms as President of the Women's Guild, Co-Founder of Our Father's Closet (Clothing ministry), served as an Acolyte coordinator and was an active participant for many years with various committees and prayer groups. She worked in various retail positions during her lifetime that included Manager of Central Hardware (during and post WWII), associate at Baron's Gift Store, Associate Manager with Rome's Clothing (Brook's of New York) and several other positions in the retail fashion industry. She also worked for a brief time with the Meals on Wheels Program, delivering meals to the elderly homebound. Through the years Ellen was very involved with community volunteer work that included Burbank Hospital Guild and more recently Health Alliance Guild where she had volunteered many hours in the hospital gift shop. Ellen devoted many hours to providing Sunday worship services to the elderly at various Nursing Homes. She was a member of the Fitchburg Woman's Club and served a term as president. She was a former member of the Montachusett Welfare Council, Friends of the Library, served as a volunteer for the Fitchburg Art Museum and had been active in the Girl Scout's of America. Her great love for people enabled her to be surrounded all her life by many wonderful friends. She loved to travel, entertain, and reading was her favorite pastime. Her greatest love was for her family and children. TILL A memorial service and celebration of her life will be held at Faith United Parish, 820 Main St., Fitchburg, MA on Sat., Aug. 30th at 11 a.m. with Pastor Justin Hildebrandt officiating. Donations in Ellen Till's name may be made to the Faith United Parish, 820 Main St., Fitchburg, MA 01420 or to Hospice of Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Rd., Austin, TX 78759.