Ellen M. Colliton

NEW CASTLE - Ellen Monica Colliton, affectionately called "Billie" by family and friends, daughter of the late Frank and Alice (Gilligan) Colliton, died peacefully in her own New Castle home after a long illness, her two younger sisters, Sister Catherine and Sister Justine Colliton, faithful caregivers, by her side.

Born August 7, 1926, in Portsmouth Hospital, Ellen resided the rest of her life in her beloved "New Castle by the Sea" and was a lifetime communicant of the Immaculate Conception Church.

Ellen is survived by two sisters, Sister Justine Colliton RSM and Sister Catherine Colliton RSM, also of New Castle; by a brother and sister-in-law, Frank Jr. and Jean Colliton of South Dakota; a nephew, Frank L. Colliton III; two nieces and nephews-in-law and their families, Kathleen and Joseph Weisbruch and their daughter Savannah of Connecticut; Laura and Michael Mounce and their children Mason and Megan of Pennsylvania; and many cousins.

In addition to her parents, Ellen was predeceased by her beloved sister, Rosemary Colliton, and her faithful pets, Seby and Charlie.

A graduate of New Castle Elementary School, Portsmouth Junior High School, Portsmouth High School Class of 1944, and Plymouth Business School Class of 1947, Ellen excelled as a student because of her dedication to learning.

Ellen worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, most notably in the Supply Department from 1944 to 1946 and 1950 to 1978. To quote from Ellen's performance ratings during the reporting periods: "as secretary to the Control Superintendent, Miss Colliton's performance has far exceeded that expected of a secretary. She has an innate intuitive sense or feel for situations or problems that periodically arise and has on repeated occasions provided the Control Superintendent with adequate information to permit resolutions or a means of logically approaching such situations or problems" (LCDR A.C. Roll) "Miss Colliton has been able to accomplish every task assigned with an alacrity and thoroughness that facilitates extremely smooth operation of the entire Control division" (P.J.Quigley) "Her vivid perceptiveness and keen judgment allow her to adapt to changing or emergency situations by placing emphasis on priority projects. Miss Colliton also demonstrates complete loyalty to the personnel with whom she works." (P.J. Quigley. Material Division Superintendent)

Joy, love of life, and generosity were characteristics of Ellen. She had a strong love of travel, including within the United States, Canada, Ireland and Europe. She loved to swim, especially off the New Castle Beach.

Trained in classical ballet as well as ballroom and modern dance, Ellen could dance the night away. An accomplished pianist, during World War II she and her sister Rosemary entertained almost nightly at the Portsmouth USO. In 1946 they received a "Meritorious Service" certificate from the USO. Never idle, sewing, knitting, reading, letter writing and photography occupied her free time. Family members and the needy benefited from her interests.

On Ellen's behalf, the family expresses gratitude to Kareen Worrell D.O., who showed such professional, compassionate care not only as a doctor but as a neighbor and friend, to all other New Castle neighbors and friends, to our Pastoral Associate Carol Jacques-Dow, and Father Edward Kelley, who were constant visitors to Billie during her illness, and to the Sisters of Mercy who accompanied Billie, Justine and Katie on their journey.

Services: Visiting hours will be held at the Farrell Funeral Home, 684 State Street, Portsmouth, on Wednesday (today) form 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at the Immaculate Conception Church, 98 Summer St., Portsmouth, on Thursday at 11 a.m. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Donations in Ellen's memory may be made to the Sisters of Mercy Northeast Community, 21 Searles Road, P.O. Box 420, Windham, NH 03087-0420.