Genevieve Gertrude Ells

Genevieve Ells, 90, of Marlow, NH passed away peacefully at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH on November 9th, 2014 following a brief illness. Her beloved husband of 65 years, Arlynn C. (Ace) Ells, predeceased her in 2010.

Genevieve was born on October 29, 1924, to Joseph and Catherine (nee Fitzpatrick) Shea of Bayonne, NJ. She was the youngest of eight children and was predeceased by brothers James, Thomas, Joseph, John and Edward, and sisters Marie and Catherine. She is survived by her six children: Mark and spouse Alison of Brick, NJ; Susan and spouse Walter Joseph of Rhinebeck, NY; Jean of Raleigh, NC; James and spouse Sue of West Swanzey, NH; Judith Reddington of Marlow, NH, and Pamela and spouse Francis Cashman of Fords, NJ. Gen was also a proud grandmother of 12 and a great-grandmother of 7, as well as a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Genevieve grew up in Bayonne, where she attended Holy Family Academy. After graduating at age 16, she went to work in New York City for Esso (now ExxonMobil) Corporation. In 1943, Genevieve met her future husband Ace, a native of Sycamore, IL, when the minesweeper U.S.S Broadbill (AM-580) docked in Bayonne prior to departure for the invasion of Southern France. They were married in 1945, and in 1953 moved to Cranford, NJ to complete raising their family. In 1980, Gen and Ace relocated to New Hampshire to be close to their first grandchildren.

Genevieve was always involved in her local community. While residing in Cranford she was active in St. Michael’s Parish, where her children attended elementary school and where she was a member of the Rosary Society. Gen was also a member and one time president of the Dig n’ Delve Garden Club and was a 4-H leader. She belonged to many other groups including the Wednesday Morning Club, the Party Dance Club, a bridge club, and her enduring Traveling Eight, a group of her very close friends.

When her children were grown, Gen worked for years as an Executive Assistant to senior leadership at Elizabethtown Gas Company, and later became the office manager for Dr. Frank Krause of Cranford.

After moving to Marlow, Gen started a successful antique business known as Peace Barn Antiques. For over ten years, she and Ace traveled the East Coast antique circuit doing shows and visiting their children. In later years, Peace Barn Antiques operated out of their large barn and Genevieve became more active in the Marlow Women’s Club, the Marlow Town Planning Board, and the Marlow Historical Society. In addition, for a number of years up until age 88, Genevieve was employed part time in the Marlow Town Office.

Gen was an avid follower of both local and national politics. She liked to tell about the day in 2008 when she was surprised at home by a call from someone purporting to be Senator Barack Obama. After first being dismissed as a prankster, the future president immediately called back and was able to convince Genevieve that he was indeed seeking her support.

Calling hours are from 5:00 PM - 7:00PM on Thursday, November 13th, 2014 at Fletcher Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 33 Marlboro St in Keene, NH. (www.fletcherfuneralhome.com)

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at 10AM on Friday, November 14th, 2014 at St. Margaret Mary Church on Arch Street in Keene, with burial to follow at the Marlow Village Cemetery. A gathering to celebrate Genevieve’s life will be held afterwards at the Odd Fellows Hall in Marlow. All who knew Gen are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Marlow Historical Society, PO Box 12, Marlow, NH 03456.