NATICK – Mary Louise (Cutler) Ellsworth, age 91, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, March 23, 2017 at Whitney Place at Natick. She was the wife of Jack Cleland Ellsworth. Married in March of 1947 in Milwaukee, WI, they were just 5 days away from celebrating their 70th anniversary.
Mary was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida where her father ran a nursery business named Collahattchee Gardens. It was here her passion for flowers and all things growing from the earth was instilled and nurtured. Watching the sun set over the beaches of Fort Lauderdale left Mary unable to resist all things salmon, blue, and apricot in color, be it fabric, flowers or paint. As the winner of The Miami Herald Spelling Bee, Mary left for Washington, DC on May 31, 1938, at age 12 to represent Florida in the National Spelling Bee. Here she finished 13th in a field of 22 contestants and was given the opportunity to meet President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
At age 14 she moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where she lived with her maternal grandmother and attended West Division High school. An only child, this was a wonderful opportunity for her to develop a relationship with her maternal cousins Shirley, Jeanne, Alex and Frederick MacDonald. She went on to get her Bachelor of Arts degree in English at Milwaukee Downer College. It was here during a mixer organized by the school, that she met her husband Jack in 1945 upon his return from World War II.
The work she held most important in her life was caring for her family. She chose to be a stay at home mother which she did well and with all her heart. She instilled a love of cooking, the English language, all things natural, and a passion for music in all of her children. They will always fondly remember her many proficiencies including sewing, embroidery, needlepoint, piano playing, and rose gardening. Above all, they will miss the taste and aroma of the homemade goodies that filled the house whenever there was family or friend around to share them with. Her love of God and compassion for others inspired hours of volunteerism in the many churches and communities in which she dwelled over her lifetime. Her home was always open to those in need offering a warm meal, comfortable bed and whatever support she could offer to make one’s life better. Many an AFS student, wandering traveler or individual in need of a home crossed her threshold bringing her purpose and years of joy.
Over her lifetime, Mary traveled extensively throughout the United States, Europe and Asia making many friends and memories along the way. She lived a full and blessed life and leaves behind a living legacy of which she would be very proud.
In addition to her husband, Mary is survived by her children, Jack Ellsworth and his wife Linda of Columbia, SC, Bruce Ellsworth and his partner Cole Burrell of Free Union , VA, Brooke Ellsworth and her husband John Stimson of Delaplane, VA, Chris O’Crowley of Denver, CO, Gay Crowley and her husband Gene of Sherborn, MA.
Mary's greatest gifts were her grandchildren, Corey and Carrie Ellsworth of Columbia SC, Tim, Tyler and Mary Lauren O’Crowley of Denver CO, and Jack, Christopher, and Hannah Crowley of Sherborn, MA.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 8th at the Pilgrim Church, 25 South Main Street, Sherborn, MA. A reception will follow immediately after the service in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Mother Caroline Academy and Education Center Mentoring Program. Address: MCAEC Development Office, 515 Blue Hill Avenue, Dorchester, MA, 02121.