Flora Qualey Ellington

ELLINGTON, Flora Qualey "Let me live in a house by the, side of the road and be a friend to man," These words help define the life of Flora Qualey Ellington who passed away surrounded by her family on Sunday, October 5, 2008, at the age of 93. Daughter of the late Lucius Andrew & Flora (Williams) Qualey, she was born in Boston and grew up in Braintree. Though legally blind since birth, she was artistically and musically gifted having attended the New England Conservatory of Music as a young girl. She made May Baskets with delicate crepe paper flowers for Massachusetts Governor Calvin Coolidge to be distributed to the children at the New England Home for Little Wanderers. This effort continued for the next 80 years, making in total more than 100,000 May Baskets. She lived a long life providing volunteer service and commitment to the community and the Episcopal Church. Her contributions of service to the community guided her throughout her life. Her spirit of service and commitment to the community continued as she made and distributed holiday favors for local hospitals and nursing homes. She knitted layettes to be donated to new mothers, and knitted afghans for her family, friends and many other people. Because of their unique beauty some were offered for charity events for local organizations & public television fund-raising. A 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, she initiated a program to send greeting cards to shut-ins and the elderly, For West Suburban Elder Services and Newton Elder Services she volunteered over 2500 hours offering telephone reassurance to frail or homebound people. She was recognized far this by the City of Newton, receiving the "Unsung Hero Award." She was Awarded the Silver DOVE (Devoted, Outstanding Volunteer to Elders) Award- the highest tribute the Commonwealth of Massachusetts bestows on those serving Massachusetts elders- designed to honor volunteers whose service is considered "above and beyond the call of duty." When she moved into the Golda Meier House, living independently, her volunteer efforts continued, initiating a weekly tea, designed to get everyone out to meet and socialize. She actively participated in the Golda Melodiers, a wonderful singing group. She also served President of the Auburndale Woman's Club and the Republican Women's Club. Her life was not without prejudice because of her blindness, but she summed this up in a newspaper article in which she was featured as an Extraordinary Senior when she said, "Sure I have my troubles, but they're not anything. I'm not going to let anyone stop me from being me." A devoted and loving mother, grandmother & great-grandmother, Flora leaves her daughter Elizabeth Boerstling and her husband Herbert, their children H. Andrew and his wife Robyn, and their daughter Abigail, and William and his wife Susan, and their son Peter. Flora was predeceased by her haband William M. Ellington, M.D her sister Elizabeth J. Qualey and brother James R. Qualey. Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at the Blackington, Conroy & Hayes Funeral Home, 1479 Washington Street, WEST NEWTON, MA, Friday, 2-4 & 6-8, An Order of the Eastern Star service will be held Friday evening, The Funeral Service will be held Saturday at 10AM, Episcopal Church of the Messiah 1900 Commonwealth Ave., Newton, MA 02466. Interment will immediately follow at Blue Hills Cemetery, Braintree, MA. In lieu of flowers donations in her memory may he made to the Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly, 160 Stanton Ave., Auburadale, MA 02466.