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Ellen Shaw Obituary
Of Framingham, MA and Walpole, NH passed away peacefully Monday, October
15th, 2012 at age 82 surrounded by loving family and friends after a brief
period of declining health. Born in New Rochelle, NY, daughter of George
Tower III and Anna Robinson Tower. Loving widow of the late Eugene R.
MacArthur and beloved wife of Hugh Shaw. Devoted mother of David MacArthur
and his wife Kathy of Litchfield, NH, Anne D. Greenwood and her husband Gary
of Bethel, CT, Matthew Shaw of Nantucket, MA, Julie MacArthur of Fair Oaks,
CA and the late Daniel B. MacArthur and Jessica T. MacArthur. Stepmother of
Richard, David and Christopher Shaw. Cherished grandmother of Kevin and
Diana MacArthur, Jessica and Hannah Greenwood and Lucy MacArthur. She is
survived by her sister Joan Tower and husband Jeff Litfin of Red Hook, NY
and her brother George Tower IV of Lake Katrine, NY. Ellen attended Goucher
College and graduated from Simmons College with a degree in Journalism. As
an active member of the Framingham community, she was a member of the
Sudbury River Tennis Club, the English Speaking Union, the Historical
Society, the Junior League, the Hopkinton Tea Ladies and various book clubs.
She was the matriarch of the family and will be greatly missed by all of her
family, friends and acquaintances. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made
to the Alpha-1 Foundation 2937 SW 27th Ave. Suite 302, Miami, FL 33133
or online at www.alpha-1foundation.org/help/donate-online. Please indicate that your donation
is in memory of Ellen Shaw.
There will be a private burial ceremony at Edgell Grove Cemetery. A
A Memorial Service will be on Saturday November 17,2012 at 3:00 Pm at the Plymouth Church,87 Edgell Road,Framingham,Ma 01701.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Edna Heck
January 15, 2013
David,
The very sad news that your mother has passed away has reached me.
It is hard to lose a parent and I am so sorry this has happened to you.
I remember your mother even though so many years have gone by. She was a lovely friendly woman.
I send you my deepest sympathy and condolances.
With great affection.Edna Heck
Bronia Jenson
December 8, 2012
How I regret not being able to be present at Ellen's Memorial service.Thank you, Hugh for saying"Ellen would understand". Indeed she would,being one of the most generous and supportive persons I know. But I remember Ellen, and always will. May I share my memories?
We first met many years ago when I stopped by the "Farmhouse" to meet the woman so well regarded in Walpole. She had a gift and I felt like an old friend from the very beginning.We would talk and talk,or rather she would talk and I would listen.
I heard all about her rich life as the daughter of a mining engineer, the many places she lived or visited, Cuba,Nantucket,England,California,the world, her education from boarding schools to college in VT. I listened in silence as she told of the loss of her first husband as a young woman with 4 babies, the death of her mother and the dvastating loss of 2 of her beloved children,Danny and Jessica. She marched on.
She revived Walpole, back in the day, when she was the chef at the Hooper Golf Club, when Walpole tennis was to be envied, her babies and then Hugh. I can still hear her referring to people,places and events as "hot stuff". She knew more about what was happening in town than most, never shy about knocking on a door, introducing herself and extracting whatever information she needed at the moment. I marveled at how easily she made lifelong friends.
While sitting by the pool or drinking tea in her kitchen we would introduce each other to interesting books or new authors, dream of starting a clothing line for generous women(that would be us) even drool over the new James Bond, Daniel Craig. We shared a love of tennis and together we watched as Andy Murry earned the Gold Medal for England.
As my business evolved she would stop by and admire my newest design. Nay, she would be the very first person to have one or give it as a gift. Family,friends, all must have a new jewelry pouch, purse or cell phone case designed by The Curator. Even if it was my last one needed for an order I could never say no to Ellen.
I think of her every time I drive by the "Farmhouse". I miss her but my memories are rich.
November 17, 2012
Ellen was a wonderful writer in our writers group, hosting tea parties, and sharing her memories of her hats, ancestors, husband hugh's retirement, her dog Barley. She wanted to return to Cuba. Her smile and love for her sister's music was shared as we attended her concert. I remember entering her home "Yard to Yard Life is Hard, Inch by inch life's a Cinch" on her door. I met her in 1995. She will be missed. Please accept my sympathy for your loss.
November 13, 2012
I was very sad about the news of the great Ellen Shaw passing. I'll always remember the best Mother's Day for me was this past one in 2012 when my mother took me and my sisters and her dear friend Ellen Shaw to see the production of Little Women. We had a wonderful day and Ellen was an inspiration to us all.
Love,
Lucia Laguarda
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November 6, 2012
I was saddened by the news of your mother's passing. She was such a strong woman forged by the many hardships she faced, yet so warm and welcoming.How well I remember the summers our families spent together on the beach at Madaket; Ellen made your cottage such a lovely place for all us kids to hang. She represents the passing of an era and will always be warmly remembered in my heart.
Terry Norton (Nantucket, MA)
Alice Schonbek
November 5, 2012
Dear Dave, Kathy and Family-My sincere condolences on the passing of a woman who I would have loved to meet! May we all strive to be strong and loved by many-the way she was.
Fernando Laguarda
October 28, 2012
I remember so many good things about Ellen, she was larger than life. Always interested, always interesting, always making you feel like she had just been thinking of you and was hoping to see you that very moment. What a remarkable person! I know she will be missed by her family, extended family and friends. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Richard Shaw
October 26, 2012
Ellen was a great person.She was very good at listening to people and giving good advice. She will be greatly missed.
Richard Shaw
Suzanne Woolf
October 25, 2012
Ellen was a great friend and a significant and loved member of our book group.
We will miss her tremendously. Our sympathy and prayers go out to Hugh and family.
Lisa Paskerian
October 24, 2012
Mrs. Shaw always welcomed me to her home warmly as a friend of Matthew's. My deepest sympathy to her family.
Michael Keefe
October 23, 2012
Mrs. Shaw's warmness was a welcomeing aspect to her home. She accepted all of Matt's friends with a wonderful Mothers smile. She made me lunches when on Nantucket made with butter on the bread (oh, so good!) and handed them to me with a knowing smile. I shall never forget Ellen Shaw.
Peggy Lowry
October 23, 2012
Dave and Family
We were so sorry to hear about your mom. Russ has very fond memories of her and you have alot of memories too beautiful to forget. We hope that those memories give you some comfort during this difficult time. You have our sincere condolences and deepest sympathy.
Love, Russ and Peggy Lowry
Ana Laguarda
October 23, 2012
Ellen was so much fun and so interesting to be around. I will miss her.
Caroline Daniels
October 21, 2012
We are all so fortunate to know and love Ellen. She will be with us always. I always smile when I think of Ellen - so much fun - her marvelous perspectives, the way she connected and mended us all.
Lots of Love, Always, Caroline
Will and Kathy Spence
October 20, 2012
Dave, so sorry for your loss. Although I didn't know your Mom that well, she was always gracious and friendly when our paths crossed. Our thoughts are with You, Kathy, Kevin, Diana, and your whole family at this time.
Raul Laguarda
October 19, 2012
Ellen was special.
She had a talent to listen, smile and say the right word.
Her "barn" home was open to all of us and after more than 40 years of enjoying the warmth of her fireplace we will continue to enjoy the memory of her life.
Maria Laguarda Stearns
October 19, 2012
I am so sad. Hugh and family- please know that I will miss Ellen and send you lots of love.
She is a true survivor in so many ways. Still had that amazing sparkle in her eye that was a mix of intelligence, joie de vivre, culture, and someone who was ready for anything.
I am so happy that my mom had some great adventures with Ellen recently, I was so lucky to be with them for one of them recently. A friendship of over forty years was strong and true until the very end- I hope we can all be so lucky.
Tad Kinsley
October 18, 2012
I will always remember Ellen for taking me in as if I was family. Her spirit and smile will remain with me always.My thoughts and prayers are with all in the Shaw and MacArthur families. She was a very special soul....
Jackie Napolitano
October 18, 2012
Dearest Hugh, David, AnnD, Matthew and Ellen's family,
I can't beleive Ellen has passed on. She will be sorely missed. Our visits were pure joy and phone conversations anticipated as we updated each other on our families and our comings and goings. I will consider my broken heart good fortune as it means it's working correctly and the pain is a measure of the value of our relationship. We never know his plan. You are all in my thoughts and prayers durng this most difficult time.
With much love and sorrow,
Jackie & Steve Napolitano
Katie (Kinsley) Healey
October 17, 2012
I just received the news about Ellen, and my heart broke. In many ways she has been my second mom for more than 30 years. I shall deeply miss her warm hugs, her smile, and her wisdom. All my love to the whole family -
Missing you! Lots of Love...
Jose Muri
October 17, 2012
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