Ellen Michelle Dufour

Ellen Michelle Dufour obituary

Ellen Michelle Dufour

Ellen Dufour Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin on Oct. 4, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

Ellen Michelle (Zatkow) Dufour, 62, of Plymouth formerly of Franklin died September 30 at Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston following eight courageous years living with Multiple Myeloma. She was the wife of Michael R. Dufour for the past 37 years.

Born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, December 4,1962, the daughter of Doris (Solov) Zatkow of Boynton Beach, Florida and the late Martin Zatkow, Ellen was raised in Cranford, New Jersey and lived in Franklin from 2002 until just recently moving to Plymouth.

Ellen was a graduate of Northeastern University and received a master's degree from Simmons College.

Ellen had been a counselor at Norton High School for many years.

Ellen enjoyed reading, traveling, going to the beach and time with family, including her dogs.

In addition to her husband and mother she is survived by her children, Daniel Dufour and his wife Allie of North Attleboro, and Emily Medeiros and her husband Kyle of Carver.

She is also survived by her siblings, Lawrence Zatkow of New Brunswick, New Jersey and Julie Zatkow of Boynton Beach, Florida.

Ellen is also survived by her granddaughter Maddie.

Her funeral service will be held on Monday October 6 in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main Street Franklin at 2:00 p.m.

Visitation will be on Monday, October 6 from 1:00 -2:00p.m.

Burial will be in Union Street Cemetery, Franklin. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.

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

How to support Ellen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Ellen Dufour's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Ellen Dufour's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?