Ellen Marchessault, (1952 - 2022) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Let the memory of Ellen be with us forever.

69 years old
Born on March 18, 1952 in Maryland, United States
Passed away on February 19, 2022 in Florida, United States

Ellen Rachel Kitchener was born on March 18, 1952, and lived for many years in Silver Spring, Maryland. After graduating from Springbrook High School in 1970, she attended Carleton College in Northfield, Minnesota, where she majored in English and devoted much of her time to her love of music. She gave several public piano recitals in the college performing arts center before she graduated in 1974.

Ellen met Richard Marchessault at Carleton College during their freshman year and the two were married on the college campus in 1974. The couple then moved to the Chicago suburbs where she earned her Master of Arts in Library Science degree at Rosary College, now known as Dominican University. Ellen and Richard eventually settled in Carol Stream, Illinois, where she worked at the Carol Stream Public Library for over 30 years.

Ellen's deep and enduring love for her two daughters, Christy and Amy, was on full display to everyone who knew her or worked with her. She was so proud of Christy's professional career as a teacher and Media Specialist, and she was so happy to watch Amy's career as a pastry chef blossom and grow. In more recent years, Ellen's life grew even richer when she was blessed with three beautiful granddaughters—Amelia, Evelyn, and Lauren. She often said that the days she spent with them were among the happiest times in her life.

Ellen maintained her passion for music her whole life. She was a marvelous pianist and she filled the house with wonderful music every day. She extended her love of music to the choir and hand bell groups at the nearby Lutheran Church of the Master, and she continued to challenge herself by learning new solo hand bell pieces. Ellen also enjoyed reading, quilting, and playing bridge throughout her life. She made lifelong friends with others who shared her passion for these hobbies, and those friends brought much happiness and fulfillment to her life.

We will hold a memorial service to celebrate Ellen's wonderful life on Saturday, May 7, at 1:00 pm. The service will be at the church where Ellen devoted so much of her time and passion to the choir and hand bell groups:

Lutheran Church of the Master
580 Kuhn Road
Carol Stream, Illinois

For out-of-town family members and friends who are not able to attend the memorial service, we will do a live video stream during the service. The recorded video file will also be available anytime after the service is completed. Here is the link:

https://youtu.be/4BW9VX3SBpA

We welcome friends and family to share their memories here, and all are welcome to add photos to the gallery to help capture some of the happiest moments in Ellen's life.

Tributes

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March 18

Happy Birthday in heaven, dear friend. I miss you. 'Sure wish we could compare notes about being this "seventy-something " age , but you never even got there.
As much as I'm looking forward to Carleton reunion, there will be a big hole there where you should be. But it will be good to be around others who knew you and loved you, too, when we were young and had our whole lives ahead of us! I have recently been reading through Carleton letters I saved, and when I read your letters, your voice comes through so clearly to me. What a gift to have those!
Christy and Amy and families are such a wonderful legacy to you, and I have so enjoyed the contact I've had with them in the past couple years.
You will be very much in my heart when I am on campus in June. I think of you every day.

March 18, 2023

My Mom would've turned 71 today. I miss her every day, and wish I could talk to her. I know I'm not alone in my grief, and that time will help ease this pain. Today we will celebrate her memory and try to laugh more than cry.

February 23, 2023

Just wanted to say that I'm thinking of Ellen. My wife Amy and I have nothing but fond memories. Rest in peace, in the embrace of a loving God.

July 28, 2022

I'm sorry it's taken me a while to write something. This still won't be perfect, but I'm not known for my writing skills!

As a little kid, I remember being so proud of my Mom because I knew she was smart and talented. She didn't just play the piano for us at home, she performed with local theater companies and taught lessons. Our elementary school had her come in as the "picture lady" and teach us about art. She made all of our birthday cakes and decorated them so well. I saw pictures from college where she was wearing clothes that she made! Those are just a few examples of the things I admired as a kid, and continued to love and appreciate as I grew up.

Music has always been important to me, and I'm sure that came from my Mom. When I started going to concerts, she would pay attention to who I was seeing, and look in the Chicago Tribune to see if Greg Kot had reviewed the show. I have a scrapbook of concert stubs and many articles saved by my Mom. We went to see Tori Amos together a few times, and I am so grateful that my husband and I were both able to see an opera with her.

My Mom was so thoughtful and would make gifts for people all the time. Quilting a blanket for my sister when she graduated from college, making curtains for my niece's bedroom, countless number of baby balls for my sister's friends, a quilt made with my mother in law for me and my husband. Each project was made with love, care and precision. Looking at her craft room, it was clear that she had hopes to make many more projects.

My Mom was full of love for her family and friends, had a great sense of humor, and was such a talented quilter. I can't believe it's been almost 6 months since we lost her, I still want to call her and text her almost every day. There are still so many things I want to share with her, but I am grateful for all of the memories I have.

May 18, 2022

I haven't been able to wrap my mind around writing a tribute yet. I still just can't believe you are gone, Mom. But I did think it would be nice to share here the poem that Evie read at your memorial service. I found it online and it said the author is unknown. I tweaked a few lines and rewrote the last stanza. Evie was so proud and so honored to read it and she did an amazing job. Here it is:

If Flowers Grow in Heaven

If flowers grow in Heaven, Lord,
Please pick a bunch for me.
Then place them in my Grandma's arms
and tell her they're from me.

Tell her that I love her, please,
and when she turns to smile,
place a kiss upon her cheek
and hold her for a while.

Keep her safe within your arms
And in your loving care
So when I miss her here on earth
I’ll know she’s with you there.

May 7, 2022

Ellen and I were hired by the Carol Stream Public Library at about the same time in the early 1980’s. In those early days Ellen worked as an Adult Services librarian while I served in the Children’s department. I well remember Christy as just a little girl (the book “My Hopping Bunny” was a favorite), and Ellen was also expecting another baby (Amy) around that time. After Amy was born, Ellen eventually went full-time. She and I continued to work together for over 30 years – she in Cataloging/Technical Services and me in Children’s Services. As the Library grew, we served together on the management team. We weren’t just colleagues, we were friends. Ellen adored her family, always thinking of things she could make that would be special for them. She was a stickler for using proper grammar, and I especially remember her proofreading one of my PR pieces and pointing out the misuse of the word “its” (no apostrophe please!). Special memories for me include Ellen’s support at my mom’s funeral, and years later attending my dad’s visitation just a day after her own mother had passed away. It was amazing to me that Ellen could be there for me at such a time, but she was! Her thoughtfulness, giving and helpful spirit will always remain with me and be remembered fondly. My prayer is that the God of all comfort will send great comfort to Dick, Christy, Amy and all of Ellen’s loved ones, both now and in the days ahead.

May 7, 2022

To my lovely friend Amy and her family:
I am sad I am unable to attend the memorial service for Ellen.
You are all in my thoughts and prayers during this overwhelming time of sadness.
Sending you all my wish for comfort especially today as you celebrate the extraordinary life of your loving Ellen.
My hope is you are able to find your own comfort while sharing many fond memories.
Although I only met Ellen once, I know her spirit through her exceptional daughter Amy.
Amy is a treasure, and I am grateful to call my friend.
Thank you Ellen for being Amy’s loving mother.
Sending my Love to you Amy,
Your friend,
Diane

April 21, 2022

I am still in denial that my sister is gone. But her legacy lives on in the beautiful family she raised. She enriched my youth with beautiful music, for which I am eternally grateful. I was blessed to be able to hear her play every day, and she had great modern music for me to sneak listens to when she was out. I do love listening to Stevie Winwood!
A few years ago, I thought I was never going to cry again. Never say never. Peace and love in heaven, Ellen.

April 14, 2022

I am Rick's sister, which means that Ellen was my dear sister-in-law. I clearly remember meeting Ellen for the first time when she and Rick started dating in college, and we all instantly liked her. Ellen had such a genuine smile that was reflected in her eyes. She loved people, had an unending curiosity about things, and adored her family. We didn't expect her to leave us so soon - there was so much more to say, and to experience, and to share with her. I'm so grateful that we had a shared vacation last summer in beautiful Cass Lake, MN, because the memories of that time will linger forever.

We miss you Ellen, but know that you'll always be a part of all of us.

March 23, 2022

Many years ago, on a cold December evening, my husband and I ventured down to the "big" city from the Northwood's of Wisconsin to share a few drinks and dinner with a couple we barely knew, Ellen and Dick. On that night, as we shared some delicious wine, we were blessed to discover two very special people. As the evening winded to a close, Ellen reached under the table and brought out a beautiful basket of goodies for us. In it was the book, A Walk in the Woods, some trail food and a few other items of which I don't remember. What I do remember was the pure joy Ellen had at sharing such a thoughtful gift. She knew we were headed out for a really long hike in April. Thoughtfully, she put together a basket of "hope". It was almost as though she believed in us (two oldsters attempting to hike a very long trail) and wanted to wish us "Godspeed".

We have been blessed to share Ellen's legacy through her daughter, Amy. Amy means the world to us. She embodies all that was special in Ellen. I am saddened by her passing, but truly believe she will live on. Every twinkle in Amy's eye, every whisper of the wind chime that hangs on their porch, and every memory that Amy shares with us allows us to know Ellen and understand the truly remarkable woman she was to so many.

March 13, 2022

Ellen was our pianist in (Springbrook) high school choir - she was unflappable amidst what I'm sure were many gaffs made by the singers. She had a kind soul and a gentle smile. I have thought of her often through the years, and was so grateful to see an occasional post about her family and professional career. She'll be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

March 11, 2022

I had the extreme pleasure of working with Ellen at Wheaton Drama, where she played the piano for several shows I either directed or was in myself. She was such a talented musician and was always so positive and uplifting to cast and crew.
She had a wonderful, infectious laugh that I can still hear today. She also had a ton of interesting stories to share during break times. Her music filled her heart, and we were so privileged to have been able to share in that.
She will be missed.

March 10, 2022

I met Ellen in 1989, when we played the two-piano accompaniment for "Side By Side By Sondheim" at Wheaton Drama. Around that same time, I got a job as an adult services librarian with my desk right next to Ellen's! We were again "side by side." In 1992, she stepped in to play the keyboard for "South Pacific" when I fell ill. She was a trooper!

I always admired her attention to detail, sense of humor, and technical piano skills. She was a giving person who made everyone feel respected and loved, and life was better with her in it. I will miss her laugh.

My love to Dick, Christy, Amy and the whole family.

March 9, 2022

A Love Letter to my Beautiful Wife,

This August 24 would have marked our 48th wedding anniversary, Ellen, but I first met you at Carleton College four years earlier and you had been a constant companion in my life for over 50 years. It is hard to remember a time when you were not the everlasting love in my life, and I miss you dearly.

With your warm love and gentle spirit to guide us, we created a wonderful life together. We helped each other through school and worked together to forge our professional careers. We took on the financial challenges that face all young couples starting out in life, and our marriage became even stronger and more resilient in the process. We experienced the unbelievable joy of bringing two beautiful daughters into the world, and our lives became richer beyond our wildest dreams as they grew into amazing adults themselves. Our happiness compounded with the birth of each beautiful granddaughter. I watched with joy as you looked at photos and videos of them every day, and I knew that your heart was overflowing with love for the family that we had created.

Together, we traveled to some amazing places in our great country and around the world. We dreamed of visiting even more of the places on our wish list, of course, but we knew all along that we could never achieve all of our ambitious travel dreams. I will always treasure the memories of our adventures together and the happiness that each new journey brought to our lives.

Through our long and wonderful adventure together, the love I felt for you grew stronger every day. I became the person that I am because of you, and I pray that I can continue to live my life with the love and gentle grace that you shared with me. The beautiful music that inspired you throughout your life will live on in my memory. I will smile each time I hear one of the piano pieces that you played so well, and I will know that you are speaking to me through the music.

It is still so difficult to believe that you have left us, but you should know that the lives of so many family members and friends have been enriched by your life and your love. I have loved you with all my heart from the day I met you, and I will continue to hold you in my heart until I join you in God’s loving embrace.

March 7, 2022

Ellen was a college friend and roommate, fellow English major and Anglophile.
Our fall, 1972 term in London was a special time, and we hung around with a new-to-me classmate named Dave Billing. What a great city to explore: the cheap , wonderful Indian food we had, very affordable trips to see stage shows...it was a life changing time, and Ellen was a wonderful companion for all of it. We then roomed together at Carleton and I got to know Dick. (What an absolutely "meant-to be" couple ; it's been clear for 51 years!)

Later years brought raising kids of about the same age, sharing fun Carleton reunions, frequent check-ins about good books to read and talks about everything good friends talk about. In January of 2018 and again in 2020, I spent some wonderful time with E and D (common shorthand) at their FL home. And then 2 years without seeing her and she is gone! How can this be?
I so admired Ellen's musical ability and enjoyed her quilt projects. She had the soul of an artist but was such a warm, kind, practical person. She was rightly so proud of her Christy and Amy and the wonderful women they've become. I am sad that she and Dick only had a few of the "golden" retirement years.

I will miss her a lot, and feel so grateful to have had her as a friend.

March 7, 2022

Dick and Amy and Christy: I was so so sorry to hear today about Ellen's unexpected death. Though we had been apart for many years after college, I will never forget her special laugh and her musical talent. We were roommates for two years and I am grateful for that. Ellen kept me grounded with her calmness, and I so appreciated her friendship and her listening ear. I was always jealous of her trim waistline! Way smaller than mine. I have special remembrances of her musical talents, and her fondness for Sondheim. I also appreciated being included with Dick and Ellen as their friend, and both of them traveling all the way to Arizona (with the girls) to be in our wedding. I will miss her. All of my thoughts and prayers are with you now.

March 3, 2022

Ellen was one of the genuinely nice people in our world; there are fewer of them than we would like to think. I was lucky enough to work as a volunteer in the food pantry at LCM with both her and Dick, and even luckier to become dear friends with them both. Intelligent, funny, and just plain wonderful, Ellen would rip out her phone a couple of times a week to show me the latest photos of the grandchildren, and sometimes Amy's latest pastry creation! She once talked to me about quilting for about thirty minutes, and somehow made the whole process fascinating to someone who didn't have a clue. Full disclosure, she did frown at me once. While she was setting out the bells for practice, I strolled up to chat and touched one of them. Without gloves. She forgave me, of course.

My family sends it's deepest, deepest condolences to your family.

March 3, 2022

Ellen will be dearly missed by everybody who was blessed to have known her. It was clear from the moment that my brother met Ellen that the two would be lifelong partners, and I am so glad that they found each other in college. Our family reunions will not be the same, but we will cherish the many fun times that we had together.

All of our love to Rick, Christy, Amy, and their families,
Randy and Chun Chun