Jean M. Ellsworth
September 10, 1941 ~ April 13, 2020
DANVERS- Jean M. (Spakas) Ellsworth, 78, passed away on April 13, 2020 in the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. She was the wife of Peter E. Ellsworth of Danvers, with who she shared 57 years of marriage.
Born in Danvers on September 10, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Helen (Ferguson) Spakas. She was raised and educated in Danvers and graduated from Danvers High School in 1959. She received her associate’s degree from Curry College in Boston. Jean had been a teacher for many years at Saint Mary of the Annunciation School in Danvers. She was also a caretaker at the former Mrs. Zani’s retirement home in Danvers. Jean was extremely active and enjoyed golfing.
In addition to her husband, Peter, she is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Traci and Jeff Masterson of Boxford and son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Kristin Ellsworth of Danvers, six grandchildren, Nathan, Cameron and Molly Robair and Jaelyn Masterson and Mason and Julia Ellsworth, three great grandchildren, Vera, Leona and Wyatt, her sister Elizabeth Stashis of Topsfield, her brother John Spakas of San Francisco and many nieces and nephews, extended family and special friends. She was predeceased by her beloved sister, Donna Cahill.
Her funeral services will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Jean’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Pl., Memphis, TN, 38105.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I treasured our school days together, especially High School. More recently our work together for our 60th class reunion and our visits to see you in your home. God bless.
Everyone has or should have a Crazy, Fun Aunt.💓 I did, and it was Auntie Jeanie. She was life of the party. Growing up and having her and Uncle Pete watch us on Saturdays while our parents worked, was always a great time. All the family get togethers, Holidays, and parties were enhanced with the presence of Auntie Jeanie. I am glad to have had her as one of my aunts. She will be missed so much by All of us.💔 Love, her Neice Debbie
A wonderful loving sister wife mother teacher and athlete. Thank you for the moments we shared. Love. Johnny
I was a classmate of Jean and played on several athletic teams with her. She was an outstanding athlete! I always admired her for her positive personality and outgoing nature which made her a joy to be with. My condolences to Peter and her family. She will be missed!
I remember Jean with great fondness and respect.a truly gentle and gracious woman. My sincere condolences to Peter and the whole family.
My whole life I remember Jeannie & Pete … They babysat all 5 of us Armstrong kids while my parents went on vacations ! They were so much fun to have around ! Jeannie was my kindergarten school ( which was held in a friends basement ) teacher . She would pick up the kids in her own car and drop us back home again after ! She was always the life of the party and my parents loved both her and Pete ! My heart goes out to the entire Ellsworth family ! ❤️
Pickering St. was where my friendship began with Spakas girls and later Johnny. We were up early playing everyday outside in her yard or mine.I can hear Jeanie’s mother opening up the window and telling Jeannie to stop climbing the tree! She was a tomboy back then and she always won no matter what we played! I bet you didn’t know she became quite a golfer too!She even played with 2 of our phy Ed teachers Ms. Kimball and Ms. Parrot!
Our friendship continued over all these years-did you know she was a fantastic cook!! Her famous meatballs even travelled to Ct. where I lived.
I went on trips with Jeanie, Tracey, Donna and her 2 girls to New York City where we saw all the sites’ She had a fabulous time ! Then when the Polish Club sponsored a Cruise to the islands ,she and Peter signed along with the rest of the club and she loved the piano bar where we spent every night singing and dancing! She loved having fun with her friends and family.
More fun was had at the Polish club on Thursday nights when the meat raffle began- somehow she always won which meant she was cooking a dinner for all her family!
So many wonderful memories for such a wonderful friend for all these years Her love of Family always came first.
My deepest sympathy to all her family.
Bill N. purchased a sympathy card for the family of Jean M. Ellsworth.
My life long friend. Always a smile, good natured and never complained. Your courage has been an inspiration to all. A wonderful classmate and teammate. The best ever athlete to play for HHS. I will miss you and keep you always in my heart. My sincere sympathy to Peter and family.
Anne Flynn Michalski
It is with sadness that I read of Jeannie’s passing. Her presence in our hometown will be missed. Always a “Hi” and a smile. The tributes to her here indicate how well she was loved as a friend and family member. My condolences to Peter and the extended family -Judith Hawkes Flachbart
Pete, I am so sorry to hear about Jeannie. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. My sincere sympathy. Deepest regards Mark Wright
Our deepest condolences to Pete & to Jeanie’s family. Although we didn’t see Jeanie often, it was always fun! RIP Jeanie, you certainly did put up a valiant fight.
Jean was a great athlete, witty and fun. She was an active member of the Class of 1959 Reunion committee. She will be missed by Peter and the family, as well as her classmates from Holten High ’59. Rest well, Jean. Charlie Blute
I remember Jean so well, always smiling and ever gracious. She was such a good athlete and fun to be with. We were all so lucky to be a part of the class of the 1959 Holten High School. Rest In Peace, Jean. So sorry for Pete and family.
Jean was a very special person, one of a kind, who along with Pete always brought fun and laughter with them everywhere they went. They made family events and social gatherings special.Jean leaves us with so many fond memories, she will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jean, Pete and the family.
Pam & Jack McCarthy
Peter and Family So sorry to hear of Jeans passing. She was a great friend to my sister. May she rest in peace.
She will always be Mrs. Ellsworth to me. To this day, I continue to talk about the most beautiful and fashionable teacher at St. Mary’s of the Annunciation School, Mrs. Ellsworth, who stood out in the sea of black and white habits. As a child, I wanted to be just like her when I grew up.
I am sorry to hear of her passing, yet I am certain she has special connections in Heaven!
Sending my condolences to her family and so many friends.
-Sandra Kowalski
Pete, Tracy, Matt and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Jeanie. She was always the life of the party and will be sadly missed. You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. Suzy Pugia-Vinciguerra, Annetta Pugia and Nicholas Vinciguerra
My condolences to the family..She will be missed..Gary Santarella