Ellen T. Ardiff

Ellen (Flynn) Ardiff passed away in her home with family by her side on March 27th. Ellen was born at the family homestead in the "Flynnville" section of South Shrewsbury. She was the third of eight children, and only daughter to John F. and Margaret R. (Fleming) Flynn. Ellen is predeceased by her husband Robert Ardiff, daughter Beth E. (Bertrand) Gonyea, parents, and brothers John F. Jr., Leonard P., Bernard A., Dennis J., and George J. She is survived by her brother Dr. Daniel V. of Charlottesville VA, Joseph A. and his wife Eileen of South Grafton, and Sister-in-law Rosemary Flynn of Grafton. Ellen is survived by her daughter Mary (Bertrand) Brenner and husband Kurt of Shrewsbury, her grandchildren Kelsey, Shayne and Reilly Brenner, Jon Gonyea his wife Szay and Bethany (Gonyea) Patterson and her husband Bryce, along with several precious great grandchildren. In addition, coming from such a large family Ellen was blessed with numerous beloved nieces and nephews. and family. The Family would like to acknowledge the loving caregivers who assisted Ellen in her home through her final hours, and were such a blessing.
Ellen graduated from Major Beal High School in Shrewsbury, where she made forever friends while serving as the captain of the Field Hockey Team, member of the Cheerleading squad and Basketball Team, where she was known as Hoopster Flynn.
She began her career at New England Telephone as a telephone operator in Worcester. She later graduated from Becker and Northeastern University. She served as the Human Resources Manager for New England Telephone, counseling hundreds in the pursuit of higher education and positions within the company. Ellen was appreciated for all her efforts in promoting individuals and guiding them throughout their career. She loved her 38 years at New England Telephone and made so many Ma Bell friends.
When Ellen and Bob retired and moved to Florida they loved entertaining relatives and friends at their home. Ellen stayed busy with teaching calligraphy, being an active member of the Woman's club, gardening and church groups, as well as continuing to play the organ on a regular basis. During her visits north she was sure to be found singing Irish songs with her brothers at the various family events. This was a tradition that started with their relatives before them and continued on.
In later years Ellen returned to Shrewsbury, MA where she enjoyed the frequent company of her family and friends. It was during this time that she would visit her beloved Cape Cod with her siblings and family. She was reminded of her time when she worked on the Cape for New England Telephone so many years earlier. The beach trips were so enjoyed and the reminiscing with siblings of their childhood vacations always held fond memories.
Ellen's family was strong in faith and love for one another. Ellen was devoted to her faith and active in her local parish throughout her life. She spent much time at her local parish, and in prayer at home. Prayerbooks were often found in most every bedside drawer.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours at the Chiampa Funeral Home, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 4-7 P.M. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Mary's Church, 640 Main Street, Shrewsbury. Interment will follow at St. Philip's Cemetery, Grafton. Those attending the mass are asked to go directly to church.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial donations be made in her name to charities close to her heart; The American Parkinson's Disease Association. 72 East Concord ST. C3 Boston, MA 02118 (https://www.apdaparkinson.org/community/massachusetts/ways-to-give-ma/) or St. Mary's Parish in Shrewsbury (https://www.wesharegiving.org/app/giving/WeShare-20000540?tab=home) https://my.gather.app/remember/ellen-ardiff
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