Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Eleanor Gancarz Obituary
Ashfield, MA - Eleanor M. "Ellie" (Doneilo) Gancarz, 75, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, January 17, 2025.
Ellie was born in Greenfield on July 2, 1949 the daughter of Walter and Phyllis (Putnam) Doneilo. After graduating from Arms Academy she attended the Boston School for Cosmetology and Hair Styling.
Ellie was dedicated and passionate about being a stylist. She worked for and later owned and operated the Bridge of Flowers Beauty Salon in Shelburne Falls for 53 years before retiring. Over the years she developed a personal connection to the many clients she had and the generations that followed. Her dedication to the community was seen as she volunteered her time to the theater productions at Mohawk and also at Prom time for area young women in her salon. When it came time for her retirement and sold the salon, she remained there to assist Judy Heffner as the new owner. Judy became like a daughter to Ellie and their friendship meant so much more than just business.
In her retirement she focused her time gardening, tending to the flower beds, watching the birds out her window and spending time with her grandchildren.
The family she leaves behind includes; son John Gancarz and his wife Cheri, son Trevor Gancarz, grandchildren MacKenzie, Jack and Brady Gancarz, sister Marge Doneilo, all of Ashfield, and nieces, nephews and cousins.
Ellie was predeceased by her husband John A. Gancarz on Dec. 14, 2019.
It was Ellie's wish that there be no services.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Eleanor Gancarz
2 Entries
Tammy Graves
January 29, 2025
Dear John,Trevor and Families,
So Sorry to hear of your mom's passing.
She is with the Good Ole Boys now and I am positive she is smiling
Linda Shedd
January 28, 2025
John, Cheri and family,
I´m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother.
Linda and Bob Shedd
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Eleanor Gancarz's name
Memorial Events
for Eleanor Gancarz
How to support Eleanor'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
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 moreResources 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
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 moreWays to honor Eleanor Gancarz's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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
