Ellen L. Picone, 81, formerly of Northborough

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Ellen L. PiconeMay 27, 1943 – Aug. 17, 2024

Bedford, NH – Ellen L. Picone, formerly of Northborough, MA cherished mother to Sherryl Ripel and Kimberley Romanelli, passed away on August 17, 2024 at The Arbors of Bedford, after a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.

Born to Viola and Lionel Monette on May 27, 1943, Ellen was the middle child of three girls, predeceased by Priscilla Jean in 1947. Ellen attended Saint Ann’s High School in Marlboro and was a proud member of the Color Guard.

In 1968, Ellen married Joseph W. Picone, and they settled in Northborough, Massachusetts, to raise their family. Ellen and Joe were married forty-seven years upon Joe’s passing in 2015.

Ellen fiercely believed in keeping holiday traditions and family together. Ellen loved her fur babies, especially her girl, Abby. Ellen and Abby took care of one another during COVID. Ellen loved her neighborhood family on Brigham Street and visiting with the Lellman and the Munro families. Ellen enjoyed her Snow Village, caring for her flowers, knitting baby blankets and lap blankets for the sick, and anything sugary-sweet, especially fruitcake. Ellen enjoyed listening to her Barry Manilow record collection and reached a lifetime dream of being able to “meet” Barry at a tribute band concert in 2023.

Dedicating her life to her family, Ellen greatly enjoyed being the backstage mom for Dawn’s School of Dance recitals, painting scenery, or overseeing anything having to do with her girls. Ellen also had many local jobs, working as a home health aide, and for nearly twenty years, she found a family in her work with Tom Lowe at Lowe’s Variety and Meat Shop. Ellen carried a special love for Beth Davidson and Karen Brewster, and Ellen truly enjoyed all the conversations and connections she made with the community that visited Lowe’s.

Ellen lived by her values of kindness, empathy, and hard work. The role of mother was one of Ellen’s greatest joys, topped only by being a grandmother. Ellen and Joe could mapquest and find any location that promised seeing their grandchildren in action, and always knew where to find the very best after-event snack locations. Ellen and Joe attended numerous baseball and hockey games, theater and concerts, and always felt like honorary grandparents to the kids on any team.

In the past few years, Ellen moved away from Northborough and moved to Manchester, NH. She loved her adventures with her son-in-law, Craig, and was always up for helping him, even when he did not know that he needed assistance. Ellen also enjoyed sleepovers in Charlton, with her daughter Kim and son-in-law, Paul, and the kids.

Ellen is survived by Sherryl and Craig Ripel, and grandchildren Kevin Hascall, Aaron Hascall, Sarah Ripel and Katherine Ripel; Kim and Paul Romanelli, and grandchildren Maia Romanelli and Aidan Romanelli; her sister, Carol Ashford of Northborough, MA; and her nieces and nephew.

The family extends their heart-felt gratitude to everyone at The Arbors of Bedford and Bayada Hospice for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Baypath Humane Society, 500 Legacy Farm N, Hopkinton, MA, 01748 https://baypathhumane.org/ or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at ALSAC/St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 https://www.stjude.org/about-st-jude/diversity-equity-inclusion/alsac.html.

Chiampa Funeral Home of Shrewsbury assisted with arrangements.

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