Margaret Ellen Blodgett

Ellen was born on June 6, 1932, in Beloit, Wisconsin, to Art and Loretta Means and was the fourth of five children. She graduated from Beloit High School in 1950 and attended Beloit College, where she was a member of Delta Gamma sorority, before training at St. Mary’s School of Nursing to be a Registered Nurse.

She worked as a surgical nurse at Beloit, Janesville and Lake Forest hospitals, was the school nurse at Lake Forest Academy, and worked as a home health nurse advisor.

In 1956, she married the love of her life, Bill and together they raised five children in Janesville, WI, Wayzata, MN and Lake Forest, IL. Bill and Ellen were married for 60 years, until his death in 2016. They enjoyed travelling the world together and for over 40 years, they made an annual trip to Kauai. Those visits gave her some of her fondest memories. St. Raphael Catholic Church in Kauai held a special place in her heart.

Ellen was proud of her Irish heritage, and her seven grandchildren never stopped marveling at her endless supply of Irish sayings. She was happiest outdoors, especially on a sunny day. She was a lifeguard in her early years, a competitive synchronized swimmer, an avid tennis player and lap swimmer but most of all enjoyed long walks, particularly in Hawaii and along Lake Forest Beach. She loved all of her dogs, especially her many English Springer Spaniels, and numerous grand-dogs.

Above all, Ellen met life with a positive outlook, a sunny disposition and always in a well-coordinated outfit. She loved to laugh, was always ready to help others, and almost always had a smile on her face. Her kindness, faith, and unwavering spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Ellen is survived by her children, Becky Ghiselli (Ralph), Peter Blodgett (Michelle), Peggy Thompson (Rick) and Sam Blodgett (Alana), and her grandchildren, Ryan Thompson (Selina), Shannon Turner (Daniel), Jack Thompson (Maddie), Matt Ghiselli, Grace Ghiselli, Will Blodgett and Libby Blodgett. She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Bill Blodgett; her daughter, Sue Blodgett; and her siblings.

A service will be held on Monday, October 5th at 11:00 am at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Cary, NC. Burial will be at St. Raphael’s Church in Kauai. In keeping with Ellen’s sunny outlook, attendees wearing bright colored attire encouraged. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Raphael Catholic Church, Koloa, Kauai www.st-raphael-kauai.org