Ellen Lively Obituary
Born May 22, 1945, in Malden, Massachusetts, to the late Bradford F. Gibbs and Ellen Margaret (Slattery) Gibbs. Ellen graduated from Holbrook High School, Class of 1964. Ellen furthered her education at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, where she obtained a Degree in Human Services. She devoted her career to social work within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, from which she retired in 2015. Her dedication to her profession and the individuals she helped was unwavering. Ellen was a social butterfly who made meaningful relationships and consistently brought out the best in everyone she met. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and was a strong believer in retail therapy. Ellen lived her life with a positive mindset, finding beauty in the simplest of moments. She truly touched the hearts of many and her legacy of kindness and empathy will live on in those who knew her.
Ellen was the devoted mother of her three children. Karen Lively Gambon of Weymouth, Suzanne Boutilier and her husband Robert of Plymouth, and Michael Lively and his wife Marina of Plainville. Ellen was an amazing grandmother who adored her four grandchildren, Howard Wagner III, Tyler Gambon, Ashley Boutilier, and Gabriella Gambon, as well as her dear Grand Dogs, Harley and Colby. She also leaves behind her sister Mary Gagne and her husband Ernest of Plymouth, and her sister-in-law Gail Gibbs of Halifax. Ellen was preceded in death by her brother Bradford (Tommy) Gibbs and sister Geraldine Lucas.
The family invites friends and loved ones to Celebrate Ellen's Life on Sunday, March 24, 2024, 12:00 pm at Christina's Restaurant, 460 Washington Street, Pembroke, MA 02359. This gathering will be a time to reflect on Ellen's life and the impact she had on those around her.
To honor Ellen. In lieu of flowers please send charitable donations to Life Care Center of Plymouth, 94 Obery Street, Plymouth, MA 02360. Please address checks to Life Care Center of Plymouth and note "Activities Fund" in the memo.
The family will be forever grateful for their care, kindness and support they provided Ellen in her last days.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Heather McGeever
March 26, 2024
My sincere condolences to Ellen's family. She and my Auntie Peggie will always be close to my heart. The joy, sweetness and laughter they surrounded me with whenever seeing them showed me that life is about being your best, laughing your way through and always being true to yourself. Ellen was a very strong woman with a heart of gold. I loved our talks coming home on the red line from Cambridge, and whenever we saw each other. You should know she discussed her kids progress in life with the joyousness & the humbleness of a very proud mama. I know she would want you to know how very deeply she loved ALL her children and most of all her VIPs (grands). I am happy to know that she was surrounded by a loving family that will not forget the memory of such a wonderful, beautiful soul. What always warmed my heart was the saying, "give me sug," that I heard often growing up and being around the "Gibbs" family. I know she and Auntie Peggie are kissing all your hearts and souls with "sug" (sugar) and making it better to move forward.
Love, Hugs & Kissies to my dear cousins and their families during this time. XOXO
Cindy Bickford
March 24, 2024
My name is Cindy Bickford
I´ve had the pleasure of knowing Ellen for over ten years we became fast friends when I rented an apt in the same small complex on Adams St Abington. It was more than just an apt it became a wonderful community where we looked out for one another. It was a safe haven with Wendy Gaynor our fearless leader.
Ellen was always there to lend a helping hand. She was so kind and thoughtful. We loved going out for dinner or just sitting around outside sharing stories.
She will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and loving her.
Rest in heavenly peace my friend!
Love Cindy
Lisa Werning
March 20, 2024
Ellen had a real heart for people and her special clients at Brockton DTA.
She was a devoted worker and good friend to many. I enjoyed working with her at the Brockton DTA Office. She bragged about her cherished grandchildren............ My deepest condolences
Rest in peace my friend
Wendy Gaynor
March 10, 2024
A "truer" friend could not be found! Ellen and I met in 2012 as landlord/tenant, and after a few months discovered we knew many of the same people around the South Shore dating back to the "70's." Ellen was a very caring person and wanted to help everyone. Many Summer nights we "sat out" - just chatting and reminiscing: laughing like crazy women as we shared some of the antics of the "old days" .... She also shared how proud she was of her family; each one of her kids and grands was so very special to her, and she loved spending time with them.
Ellen was one of the most courageous women I have known. No matter what physical challenge or problem, she pushed on, got herself going and ran errands, went visiting and then for coffee and green tea! She was the "mayor" of the neighborhood in N. Abington; helping anyone who needed her. She would even pick up special dog treats and reach over the fence to get them to the dog next door. Each year when I left for Florida in my coach, she would remind me to call every night to let her know I had landed at my overnight destination or rest area - kept in contact until I arrived at my house. She called during the winter months, spent hours telling me everything that was going on in the area - and every accomplishment of every one of her grandchildren. Ellen left each one a legacy worth more than any chest of gold: she shared her love and a sense of caring and responsibility along with an excitement for life.
I could go on and on. She would show up after her daily run around the South Shore with meatballs from Italian Kitchen, soup from the deli, or Greek green beans from Brockton - worried I was working too hard and wouldn't eat! We made a habit of going out every Friday for a meal with others in the neighborhood - always up for "not cooking!"
I will miss my friend, Ellen, as so many others will. She touched many, many people in her lifetime. I know she has gone Home now and is in the glory of the Lord, and I will remember her with a smile as her sense of humor was sharp as her wit. Since I cannot come North for her Celebration, I am sending prayers and hugs to the entire family.
Ellen Lively was ONE OF A KIND!
Blessings and Peace and Comfort to all those she touched!
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Jean Ingemi
March 9, 2024
Ellen was my friend and Former Neighbor. I shall remember first Dunkin Donuts green tea no lemon! Also the good times together whether chatting on the phone, sitting outside sipping coffee for her vino for me , or exploring local eateries. Ellen often shared stories of her adult children, how proud she was of them and her live OF her job at DSS. SHE has so much to be proud of!! Most of all I´ll remember what a very caring and generous woman she was in so many ways. I´m saddened that she did not get to enjoy more of her retirement years.
Susan Desrocher
March 6, 2024
Ellen was a wonderful neighbor and a generous lovely woman. We had many lively dinners at Lynch's in Abington with our little community and she will be missed.
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