Ellen T. Barbeau

Ellen T. Barbeau of West Chester Ellen T. Barbeau, 88, of West Chester, formerly of Drexel Hill and Vernon, Connecticut, died peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2013, at home surrounded by her family. She was born in Philadelphia, the daughter of the late Edmond and Mary McManus Watson. Ellen was the wife of the late Robert Dale Barbeau. Together they raised eight children. Their family will remember fondly many happy times spent together in their childhood home in Drexel Hill, and as young adults in Vernon, Connecticut, West Goshen, and summers in Fenwick Isle, Delaware. Ellen took great pride in her children and their accomplishments. One of the many things her children will remember about Ellen is her ceaseless ability to provide love, support and encouragement. She graduated from West Catholic High School. As a girl she enjoyed roller skating, dancing, and horseback riding. Well into her 80's you could expect to see Ellen on the dance floor at a family wedding. She had a lifelong love of reading. She is survived by her sister, Mary Jane Butkus; sister-in-law Kathleen Watson; her children, Mary Ellen Dykhouse, Geri Barbeau-Leonard, Robert Barbeau, Bernadette Verdi, James Barbeau and Joan Ryan; 17 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by daughter, Lucille Mazur and son, Richard Barbeau. Ellen was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, and she would be pleased to know that a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated for her at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26, 2013 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 233 W. Gay St., West Chester, PA 19380. Interment will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery in West Chester. Relatives and friends may call from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 26th at DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc., 410 N. Church Street, West Chester, PA 19380; 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the West Chester Public Library, 415 N. Church St., West Chester, PA 19380.