South Grafton – Ella F. Chase, 94, of South Grafton, passed Tuesday, May 3, 2016, two days prior to her 95th birthday, at Beaumont of Northbridge.
She is survived by two nieces, Janice M. Chase of Northbridge and Beverly A. Cyr and her husband Clifford of Athens, Pa.; one nephew, Ernest M. Chase Jr. and his wife Mary of Universal City, Texas; a great-grandniece, Jennifer; a great-grandnephew, Scott; two great-great-grandnieces; and one great-great-grandnephew. She was predeceased by her three brothers, Matthew I., Ernest M. and Harry D. Chase.
She was born May 5, 1922 in Grafton, the daughter of the late Matthew M. and Mary R. (Plante) Chase, and was a lifelong resident of Grafton. She attended Grafton Primary Schools and then David Hale Fanning Vocational High School in Worcester, graduating with the class of 1939. She continued her education taking additional courses at David Hale Fanning, Fitchburg, and Worcester State teachers colleges, earning her teaching certificate.
Ella was a self-employed dressmaker and seamstress from 1949 to 1976. She also taught dressmaking from 1954 to 1976 at Northbridge and Milford high schools and then Home Economics at Northbridge Senior & Junior High School. She then became the head cook at Beaumont of Westborough until retiring in 1981.
She was a longtime active member of the Medway Community Church where she also taught Sunday School and was the Chairperson of the annual church fair several times.
Her personal enjoyments included gardening, growing vegetables, and making jams with her three brothers at their homestead on Providence Road in South Grafton. She also loved nature, watching and feeding the birds and helping them to survive the winters.
Her family asks that you remember Ella with donations in her memory to The Medway Community Church, 196 Main St., Medway MA 02053.
All are invited to join her family as they honor and celebrate her life Tuesday, May 10, at 10:30 a.m., at the Medway Community Church, 196 Main St. (Route 109 & 126), Medway. She will then be laid to rest with family at Fairview Cemetery in South Grafton. There are no calling hours. Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Roney Funeral Home in North Grafton.
A guest book to offer condolences and share memories is available at
