Ellen M. Donaghy

Ellen M. Donaghy, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of faith, compassion, creativity, and service.

Ellen was born on January 29, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, to Richard and Frances Sisk. She was predeceased by Albert Donaghy, with whom she shared 64 years of love, partnership, and cherished memories.

Together, they were blessed with four children: Frank and his wife, Donna, of Stoughton, Massachusetts; John and his wife, Kristy, of Nashua, New Hampshire; Barbara Moynihan and her husband, Chris, of Raynham, Massachusetts; and Michael and his wife, Erin, of West Roxbury, Massachusetts.

Ellen's greatest joy in life was her family, especially her nine grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. She was a devoted grandmother to Sean, Brian (wife Ashley), Sara, Adam, Michael, Abby, Grace, Bridget, and Patrick, ranging in age from 33 to 10, and a proud great-grandmother to four-month-old Emily. Each of them brought her immeasurable happiness and pride.

One of Ellen's greatest gifts to her family was instilling a lifelong spirit of adventure through unforgettable camping trips across the United States and Canada. By packing up and hitting the open road, she intentionally introduced her children to a world far beyond the familiar boundaries of New England. Those cross-continental journeys created lasting memories while inspiring a love of exploration that has become a cherished family tradition, continuing to be passed down to each new generation.

A woman of deep faith and quiet generosity, Ellen dedicated countless hours to serving her community through the Good Friday Walk, Abington First Baptist Church's Hanging of the Greens, and Rosie's Place. Whether organizing events, volunteering her time, or quietly offering support to someone in need, she touched countless lives with her compassion and kindness.

In her fifties, Ellen discovered a passion for folk art painting that blossomed into a lifelong creative pursuit. Through years of dedication and practice, she became a talented folk artist, creating beautiful works that reflected her patience, attention to detail, and love of tradition. She also found great joy in teaching folk art painting classes, generously sharing her talents, encouraging aspiring artists, and forming lasting friendships along the way. Her creativity inspired many, and the pieces she painted, along with the knowledge she passed on, remain a cherished part of her legacy.

Ellen will be remembered for her gentle spirit, unwavering faith, creative gifts, adventurous heart, and the love she gave so freely. Though deeply missed, she leaves behind a legacy of grace, service, love, and family that will continue to live on in all who knew her.

Ellen's children would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Residence at Five Corners and Old Colony Hospice for their unwavering care, compassion, and support. Their kindness and dedication brought great comfort to Ellen and her family, and they will always be deeply appreciated.

Rest in peace, Ellen—Mom, Grandma, and Great-Grandma. You will be forever loved and never forgotten.

A visitation will be held at Quealy & Son Funeral Home, 116 Adams Street, Abington, MA, on Monday, July 20, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, July 21, at 10:00 AM, followed by interment at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Abington.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Rosie's Place or Old Colony Hospice in memory of Ellen.