Ellen J. Krigest

HAVERHILL - Ellen Krigest, of Haverhill, MA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, surrounded by her family and close friends.

Born in Lynn, Massachusetts, Ellen was the daughter of the late Jordan and Gloria (Baron) Krigest. She grew up in Saugus, MA, where she graduated from Saugus High School in 1971, and went on to earn her bachelor's degree at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

Ellen spent many years working in retail management, starting as a department manager at Sears, then as an assistant manager at Marshalls. Before retiring, she worked as the HR manager at Hunt's Photo & Video in Melrose for over 20 years- a job she deeply enjoyed. Over the years, Ellen built close friendships with many of her co-workers; she loved staying in touch and reminiscing about their time together.

Ellen loved being surrounded by family and friends. Some of her closest relationships were with her cousins, and she cherished every trip, dinner, and long conversation with them. She was a lifelong fan of plays and musicals, most recently seeing The Cher Show with her friend Pam, and Hamilto n in Boston with her nieces and nephews. Ellen also loved seafood and the beach, and she spent many joyful summer evenings at lobster and clam bakes hosted by her brother Steven, especially when their parents came back to visit Massachusetts. As her family grew, Ellen was deeply fulfilled by spending time with her great-nieces and great-nephews-cheering them on at their games and school events-and gathering for Friday night dinners filled with laughter, love, and family stories.

One of Ellen's greatest joys in life was travel. Whether it was with friends or family, she found joy in every trip, always returning with beautiful photos of the landscapes, animals, and people she encountered (and often with a few new travel friends, too.) She traveled the world, with one of her most memorable adventures being a hike through the mountains of Rwanda to see gorillas. She recently enjoyed a cruise to Canada with her brother and sister-in-law, along with her nephew and his wife.

Ellen is survived by her brother Steven Krigest and his wife Claudia of Danvers, MA; her nieces and nephews, Timothy Krigest and his wife Bryana of Newton, NH, Kyle Krigest and his wife Courtney of Georgetown, MA, and Kaylee Krigest Smith and her husband Sean of Danvers, MA. She was also a proud great-aunt to Riley, Noah, Abby, Orla, Francis, and Henry. Ellen leaves behind many close friends, including Pam and Steve Jalbert of Haverhill, MA, and a wide circle of family and friends whose lives she touched with her kindness, humor, and warmth.

She will be deeply missed.

ARRANGEMENTS: A service will be held at O'Donnell Cremations - Funerals - Celebrations, 167 Maple Street, (rte 62) DANVERS, MA on Sunday November 2, 2025 at 11 AM. The service will be followed by a burial at Temple Tiferet Shalom Cemetery in Peabody, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to World Wildlife Refuge or a charity of one's choice in Ellen's honor. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.