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Ellen Cunniff Obituary

May 13, 2007, of Framingham. Principal of the Sprague School in Wellesley. Beloved daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine (Mawn) Cunniff. Sister of Judy Cunniff-Serio and her husband Bill Serio of Putnam, CT; Joanne Ahearn of Dracut and Thomas and his wife Martha Cunniff of Grafton. Also survived by several nieces and nephews, Funeral from the Blackington, Conroy & Hayes Funeral 1479 Washington St. (RTE. 16) WEST NEWTON Friday at 9:30 am. Funeral Mass in Our Lady Help of Christians Church at 10:30 am. Visiting hours Thursday 3-7pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to one of the following charities: Buddy Dog Humane Society, 151 Boston Post Road, Sudbury, MA 01776. New England Center for Children 33 Turnpike Road, Southborough, MA 01772, or Facing History and Ourselves, 16 Hurd Road, Brookline, MA 02445-6919. Blackington, Conroy & Hayes (800) 585-6939

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Globe from May 16 to May 17, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Cunniff

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Tatiyana Cooley-Justice

May 4, 2008

We all miss Ms. Cunniff. We wish that you did not passway so then you can come back to the Spargue school. R.i.P Ms. Cunniff

emily serio

June 9, 2007

ellen was my aunt i loved her alot because she always did nice things for me and always was there for me and helped me succed in whatever i did. when i graduate from 8th grade tomorow i will be thinking of her and her advice that will help me through the rest of my life ellen i love you so much thank you for all that you have done for me and given me. you are truly an inspiration

Jean Mahony

May 18, 2007

I wish to express my heartfelt sympathy to Ellen's family and friends as well as her teachers and students. May the beauty of her life and radiance of her smile comfort you at this very sad time. Ellen was not only courageous and strong, she was by far one of the most caring people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Ellen will never be forgotten. Her incredible spirit and special gifts will live on in all of us. She has touched so many lives and inspired us all. So many in fact we managed to fill a massive church to bid her farewell. Until we met again Ellen, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.

Carole Winokur-Zissman

May 18, 2007

Ellen and i met our first year in college. We took our first trip to Europe together in 1970 and Ellen was my maid of honor in 1971 in NYC. I last saw her in June 2006. She asked questions about my life, as she faced so many difficulties, anxieties and her own mortality. Ellen lived her life with dignity and an unending devotion to her work.
My favorite memory of Ellen was when she sat facing "backwards" on a plane trip from London to Paris the summer of 1970. She described the sensation in detail, and delight. What a gal !! Ellen was very serious, fun, unique, generous and loving. She will be greatly missed.

Patricia Stewart

May 18, 2007

It was so sad to learn of Ellen's death while visiting my grandchildren in New Jersey. Ellen will always be remembered as an outstanding educator. I loved working with and for her in the Framingham Title I Program. May her soul rest in God's peace.
Patricia Stewart

Sylvia, along with Don and daughter and former Hunnewell student, Emily, Leach

May 18, 2007

Ellen has left a huge impact in my heart. She dedicated herself to encourage the best in every life with whom she had contact, and she did this in her own passionate and compassionate, brilliant and sincere, no-nonsense-but-deeply-caring way that was so alive, sweet, dry, candid, honest yet so considerate. She advocated in most genuine, humble and powerful ways for the dignity and appreciation of human diversity. One close friend of hers described her as a visionary. My family and I agree. Let us keep her wonderful visions, her ideas, her love for music, animals, good humor, and honor alive. Ellen, thank you so much for all that you have done for all of us whose lives have been uniquely and blessedly touched by you.

Jim and Betsy Roberti

May 17, 2007

We will always remember Ellen's fantastic sense of humor. She took an active interest in people and will be missed by all her friends and family.

Betsy, Andrew, Emily & Jackson Kessler

May 17, 2007

The mark that Ellen left on the children and parents of Wellesley will forever be present. She was an incredible person, educator, mentor and role model to all who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

Carla Lumley

May 17, 2007

My heartfelt wishes go out to Ellen's family. We have lost a wonderful person. May her legacy live on.

Kathy Madfis

May 17, 2007

Ellen was the Title I Director in Framingham Schools in 1979-81 when I was a Title I Teacher. Never before in my teaching career, nor after, have I had such an insightful administrator She made me a better teacher. She was a talented, gifted educator and will be missed by all.

Bonnie Hardy

May 17, 2007

Oh, Ellen, did we have fun and laughter when we worked together in Framingham. She treated all those she encountered with the same ease and respect. A great gal.

Robert Levin

May 16, 2007

It has been an honor to know Ellen as a friend and long-distance colleague for 30 years. No one combined insight, integrity, passion, commitment, humor, irreverence, and talent like Ellen did. Over the years you could look forward to everything from the latest joke to movie reviews on her answering machine. You could also count on the truth and absolute loyalty from her. All who knew Ellen well will always link future experiences and conversations to what Ellen would have said, to the candor, grace, wisdom, and good humor she would bring. In that way, she will remain our teacher.

glenn hart

May 16, 2007

Ellen was a classmate of mine at Newton High School. I saw her this year at the 40th reunion and was just warmed by her charming personality. She will be greatly missed by her friends of over 40 years- Glenn Hart

Micki Wieder

May 16, 2007

My heart goes out to Ellen's family. I had the pleasure of working with her for many years and she was a true gift to the teaching of children

Teddi Doku

May 16, 2007

I was sorry to hear of the passing of Ellen Cunniff. She was such a kind and caring person. She devoted her life to all the children. May her memories be eternal.

Susan Clapham

May 16, 2007

Over the nearly 11 years that Ellen was part of our lives, we always marveled at her remarkable insight and perceptivity. Her careful kindness and gentle ways belied a wicked sense of humor, and we loved her and will miss her very much. Susan, David, Katie Rose, Rebekah, Julia and Charlotte Clapham

Carol H Reynolds

May 16, 2007

I was greatly saddened on Monday noon to learn of Ellen's passing. I observed an individual weeping in an opened door car. Ellen's great love were the children she taught, animals in general, and kitties in particular. She was dedicated to her job as Sprague School's Principal. She shall be missed as a neighbor, friend to many, and dedicated educator. She was a courageous individual.

Gina Sullivan

May 16, 2007

Ellen was a wonderful Principal and friend. Her kindness will always be remembered. Gina, Brian, Brandon, Collin & Robert Sullivan

Rita Allen

May 16, 2007

It is with a heavy heart that I have learned of Ellen's passing. Having attended her Retirement Reception last week with so many engaged children, I am left with the recognition of the many lives she influenced, parents and students as well as her colleagues and family. We have all been blessed to have known Ellen and inspired by her courage. Our deepest sympathies to her entire family. Sincerely, Rita, P.J., Kate and Joe Allen

The McGowan Family

May 16, 2007

Ellen was the sweetest lady. A professional in all she did. Ellen was genuine in her concern for everyone she knew. She will be so very missed by our family . Love & Prayers to all of the family and many friends.Judy,Bob,Brendan,Valerie&
Bevely McGowan

Marie Niarhos

May 16, 2007

Ellen Cunniff was a true gift to the children and community. As a parent, I appreciated her thoughtful responses when challenges occurred. Ellen's mind was open; she was a role model for what it means to be an educator and a life-long learner.
Her warmth, sense of humor and presence will be missed.
I feel very fortunate to have known her!

Roberta Maguire

May 16, 2007

What a privilege it was to have worked with Ellen and to have been her friend. Her impact on education and the lives of so many children will live on.

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