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BORN
1947
DIED
2021
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Ellen Dunbar Obituary
Peterborough NH — Ellen Stanhope Dunbar beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, passed peacefully into eternal life on September 24 surrounded by her loving family.
Ellen and her identical twin sister, Jane, were born in Manchester, NH on April 26, 1947. She grew up in Grasmere and attended a two-room schoolhouse where she and Jane may or may not have pretended to be each other at times. Ellen graduated from Goffstown High School in 1965 and Dean Junior College in Franklin, MA in 1967. While at Dean, she met the love of her life, Andrew Dunbar. They were married in September 1968 and spent their honeymoon at the Von Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT.
They started married life in West Brattleboro, VT, joyfully welcoming the birth of their daughter Jessica. In 1973 they moved to Peterborough, NH, where they purchased their very first home. This was the town Ellen would call home for the rest of her life. She loved her neighbors and the friends she met while being employed at Yankee Magazine, Helmers Publishing, and Byte Magazine. In retirement Ellen enjoyed her artwork and the quiet companionship of her four-footed friends, including her current dog Piper.
Ellen will be deeply missed by her husband of 53 years, Andrew Dunbar; her daughter and son-in-law Jessica and Christopher Raspa and her beloved granddaughter Eleanor Jane Raspa of Durham. Ellen's greatest joy in life was being Eleanor's "Nana".
Ellen will also be fondly remembered by her other family members including her brother, Peter Stanhope, of Durham; her nieces Mary Stanhope of Boston MA and Victoria Stanhope of Portsmouth; her brother-in-law Stan Dunbar of Boxford, MA; and her cousins; including Susan Sharland of Cape Elizabeth ME who was like a sister to her. Ellen was predeceased by her parents John and Marion Stanhope and her sister Jane Stanhope Samson.
A celebration of Ellen's life is being planned for Saturday, October 16th, at 11am at the Peterborough United Methodist Church. The family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to the American Cancer Society in Ellen's name. www.cancer.org
Jellison Funeral Home in Peterborough is assisting with arrangements. To share a memory, or to leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit Ellen's tribute page at www.jellisonfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ellen Dunbar
5 Entries
Jean Clougherty
October 16, 2021
Andrew and Jess,
So sorry to hear of Ellen's death. She was a sweet loving person and kind to everyone. I know that you must be devastated by her loss and know that only time will make the pain bearable. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Jean
Charlie Ingalls
October 6, 2021
Sad to hear of Ellen´s passing.
My thoughts are with Andy and his family
RIP
Maribeth Buchanan
October 5, 2021
I worked with Ellie (our nickname for her) at Helmer's. She was a delightful, warm, kind, lovely coworker and friend and had a sweet laugh. She really classed up the place. Always so nicely appointed. Diane and I are neighbors to Andrew and Ellen. She will be greatly missed. I recall how much she loved her daughter and I am sure she was the best grandmother. God bless you, family of Ellie.
Diane Champagne
October 5, 2021
I'm sorry to say I didn't know Ellen very much but my thoughts and prayers go out to Andrew and his loved ones.
Jellison Funeral Home The staff at Jellison Funeral Home
October 5, 2021
Offering our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
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Memorial Events
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Funeral services provided by:
Jellison Funeral Home and Cremation Services25 Concord Street, Peterborough, NH 03458
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