Emilie Astell Obituary

Emilie S. Astell, 80

Holden, MA

- Emilie S. Astell, of Holden, MA, passed away Saturday, July 13, 2019, after a brief illness. Emilie had a long career as a journalist and worked at the Telegram and Gazette in Worcester, MA covering education and local government. Emilie took up painting after retirement and earned a fine arts degree certificate from the Rhode Island School of Design. Emilie painted in oils, pastels, watercolors, and acrylics and exhibited and sold her work in multiple art shows. Emilie is survived by her husband John M. Astell, daughter, Lisa A. (Scott) Bruce, son, Douglas A. (Renee) Krebs, and grandsons, Nathaniel K. Bruce and Tristan W. Bruce. A private memorial service is being held by the family. Emilie loved walking outdoors. Please take a walk in her honor in lieu of flowers and donations.

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

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Jul. 16 to Jul. 20, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Emilie Astell

9 Entries

Joanne Quinn

July 10, 2020

Was just thinking about Emilie last night and how much I miss her. She was a great painting buddy. John, I hope you and her kids are doing fine. Going to take a walk today in memory of Emilie....Take good care.

September 17, 2019

Worked with Emilie Krebs at the Pgraph in Bloomington, Il. and she always had a smile on her face. I remember her fondly. Bob Holliday

July 20, 2019

I am so sorry to hear that Emilie has passed away. We always had the best time painting together, painting on beautiful sunny days and even during a tornado. One winter, every Monday, we drove to David Lussier's studio for his painting workshop and on the way Emilie would share stories about her life, her beloved husband and her children and grandchildren, who meant the world to her.

We had so much fun going to lunch in Concord after visiting Concord Arts, talking about paining and art. One of the best times was when we went to Falmouth for a workshop. I will miss her sense of adventure, love or art, her stories, her companionship and friendship.

Rest in peace my friend Emilie.

Joanne Quinn
Princeton, MA

Gerry Collier

July 18, 2019

I had not seen Emilie for a while, but she remained one of my favorite people. Consequently, when I heard of her death, the tears flowed freely.

She and I became friends when she came to work for the Worcester Telegram and Gazette where I was a reporter for many years. Emilie was one of the hardest working reporters I have known and between the demands of both of our schedules, we did not have that much time for talking, but occasionally we would get together for a cup of tea around 3:30 in the afternoon and talk about the stories we were working on and yes, sometimes, the foibles of our male colleagues.

When I left the paper in 2001, I lost contact with Emilie, but a few years later when I heard she was retiring, I asked her to lunch and from then on we would take day trips together that usually including antiquing or looking for plants for our gardens, maybe looking in on an interesting shop or art gallery and always a lunch at some really good restaurant where we talked nonstop about our lives and all kinds of other topics.

I know that John, and her daughter and son, all of whom she loved greatly, are now grieving, but Emilie lived life to the fullest and we were all fortunate to have had her in our lives.

Robert Allard

July 18, 2019

Our paths crossed many times when I was Worcester's City Assessor and Emilie's professionalism always earned my respect. She had a wonderful smile and a great sense of humor, even when reporting on subjects that lacked humor. To Emilie's family, I'm very sorry to hear of your loss.

Rose hoyos

July 18, 2019

My condolences to family and friends of Emilie Astell. May the God of Comfort bring you peace during this difficult time .In Isaiah 61:1-2 "he binds the broken hearted and is near to all who mourn."Sorry for your loss.

Richard Duckett

July 17, 2019

I enjoyed working with Emilie at the Worcester Telegram, where we were part of the Sunday crew "overseen" by Lee Hammel for many years.
She was a fine reporter, and we shared many a laugh. I caught up with her again three years ago when she was one of the artists featured at exhibition at Briarwood. Her art work was impressive, and she was as friendly as ever.

- Richard Duckett

Hugh O'Malley

July 17, 2019

Please accept my condolences upon the passing of Emilie. I was an attorney for one of the local governments on Emilie's beat. She was an outstanding journalist, who had a very good grasp of complicated issues and was dedicated to providing the truth to the readers of the Telegram. She was accurate in her reporting, as her goal was to find truth and pass it on. She was a distinguished professional who earned my deep respect.

Elaine Thompson

July 17, 2019

Emilie was actually my idol when she worked at the T&G. She was an outstanding journalist.

Elaine Thompson

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