Ellen Gilchrest

1941 - 2018

Ellen M. Gilchrest, 77

Clinton - Ellen M. (O'Malley) Gilchrest, 77, died on Friday, August 17, 2018, at Whittier Rehabilitation Hospital, Westborough, with her loving family by her side. Her husband of twenty years, Clarence J. "Butch" Gilchrest, Jr., died in 1982.

She is survived by a daughter, Sheila M. Sheridan-Tecca and her husband, Michael, of Northboro; three sons: Brendon J. Gilchrest and his wife, Kim, of Lancaster, Michael J. Gilchrest and his wife, Jessica, of Clinton, and Richard E. Gilchrest and his wife, Brandi, of Leominster; a daughter-in-law, Karen Gilchrest, of Clinton; 14 grandchildren: Kyle, Maura and her husband Brian, Colleen, Erin, Kevin, Briahna, Connor, Kameron, Reagan, David, Makena, Brayden, Kaydence, and Nathan, and another grandchild due to be born in December. She also leaves a sister, Mary O'Malley, in Ireland; five brothers: Christy and Michael, in Ireland, and Paddy, Eamonn, and John, in England; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by two sons, Kevin J. Gilchrest, in 1985, and David A. Gilchrest, in 2006.

Ellie was born and raised in the village of Curra Malley, Louisburgh, Ireland, daughter of Edward and Bridget (Needham) O'Malley and was a graduate of Killadoon National School. In 1958, Ellie immigrated to the U.S. under the sponsorship of John McGrail of Berlin, MA, and began employment as a housekeeper for many local families, including Dr. John Grady of Arlington. She then worked for several years at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Brighton. After relocating to Clinton, she worked at the former Clinton Manor Nursing Home for many years, as well as housekeeping at several area homes.

A devout Catholic, Ellie's deep faith, and her love for her family, were most important in her life. She was a parishioner of the former Our Lady of the Rosary Church, and St. John the Evangelist Church. She was a long-time member of the Ladies Auxiliary A.O.H., the Clinton Women's Club, and a former member and past treasurer of the Clinton Eagles, and actively volunteered her time at the Clinton Hospital Guild Thrift Shop and the Care Food Pantry. She enjoyed home decorating, and all things Irish. Above all, Ellie enjoyed time spent in the company of her family, and cherished every moment with each and every one of her grandchildren.

Ellie's family wishes to express their profound gratitude to the staff at Corcoran House, Clinton, Whittier Rehabilitation, Westborough, and Fr. Hugo Cano, for their compassionate care and kindness.

Ellie's funeral will be held on Monday, August 20, 2018 from the McNally & Watson Funeral Home, 304 Church St. with a Mass at 11:00 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, 80 Union St. Burial will follow in St. John's Cemetery, Lancaster. Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours at the funeral home on Sunday, August 19 from 5:00-8:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Ellie, to the Care Food Pantry, St. John the Guardian of Our Lady Parish, 149 Chestnut St., Clinton, MA 01510.

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