Carlyn Jean Ellms

Age 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in Charlton, NY on October 22, 2022. She was born in Framingham, MA. on June 9, 1945 to Carlton W. Ellms, Jr. (Bud) and Marilyn Field Ellms. She was raised in Sudbury, MA. and graduated from Lincoln-Sudbury Regional High School in 1963 and Lycoming College in 1967. Her career began at Dana Hall School where she became the Director of Alumnae Affairs in the development office. After her success there, Carlyn moved on to Pine Manor College in the same capacity. She also spent time as “Bob the Temp” at Harrington Mangement with one of her great friends, Whitney. Carlyn moved to her beloved Cape Cod full-time and took on a development job with Hospice of Cape Cod.

Carlyn had a passion for community involvement. She led the charge for capital campaigns and sat on the boards of Falmouth Art Center, Falmouth Community Television, and the West Falmouth Library with great success and great friendships.

On the personal side, Carlyn enjoyed entertaining family and friends with her enviable cooking skills. She loved flowers and working in her gardens. Carlyn enjoyed traveling to Ellms Family Farm in the fall and helping in any capacity that was needed. She will be remembered as a lover of “little things”, flamingos, her treasured St. Bernard, Gulliver, and especially her “rescued” cats. Carlyn had many visitors during the summer, some of whom turned into roommates off and on as she loved “her boys”, Brenton, Keith, and Tim. She will leave behind annual traditions to be carried on, such as Lobster Hat Night and The Summer Pink Party with her family.

She will be missed by her family: her brother, Carlton W. Ellms III (Chip), ( Sally) of Charlton,New York, nieces: Sasha Presseisen (Josh) of Charlton, New York, and Ashley DiPaola (Dan)of Charlton,New York and her favorite nephew: Garth Ellms (Jen Hotaling) of Charlton New York, great nieces and nephews: Aven Presseisen, Calla Presseisen, Ryah DiPaola, Atli Presseisen, Harper DiPaola, Kinley DiPaola, and Clover Presseisen and her former husband, Tom Brannelly whom she stayed very close with over the years.

A graveside service will be held at Wadsworth Cemetery, Sudbury, MA on Saturday November 12 at 11 AM for family and close friends. The family welcomes Carlyn’s friends and neighbors to join them at the West Falmouth Library from 5pm-7pm for a pink flamingo themed cocktail party.

Carlyn’s family wishes to thank the caretakers and Hospice for their care and compassion during this difficult time.

Contributions in Carlyn’s memory may be made to the West Falmouth Library, 575 West Falmouth Highway, PO Box 1209, West Falmouth, MA 02574.