To follow are the Words of Remembrance as written and read at the funeral Mass by Mrs. Ellis's daughter, Kathy, on behalf of the entire family; a note written by Karen to be shared with friends and family, as well as the obituary.


WORDS OF REMEMBRANCE
As Karen's children, we were asked to write down some favorite memories about our Mom, but our hearts have been too heavy to sort through everything that is important. Like the quilts and baby blankets lovingly made by Mom for every wedding and new family member, she created the fabric on which we have painted our lives. She is a part of everything about us and how we live. This includes the trivial daily activities of never leaving home without beds made or dishes done - to how we treat others and see the world. Instead of picking a single memory, we thought it would be easier to capture some of the key lessons we have learned from our mother.
To have patience with others and ourselves.
To act with kindness and treat others with dignity;
To be accepting, never gossip and never speak ill of others;
To be generous with those you love and those in need;
To be happy with the good you have and not be envious of others;
To accept the trials in your life as gifts with lessons to learn;
To be forgiving and accept forgiveness;
To have faith, to have trust and to have hope;
To live a life with, and of, grace;
And most importantly to love.
A favorite passage has always been 1 Corinthians 13. It can be used to rejoice happy times and it can bring strength through the difficult times. Through this time of reflection, it became clear that it is special because it's the way our parents, both Mom and Dad, through their example, taught us to live life. And for this lesson we are forever grateful.
"Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things; Love never fails."
For today, Karen bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things; Karen never failed.
Our mother is love.......

THE MESSAGE FROM KAREN
"When I die if you need to weep, cry out for your brother or sister walking the street beside you,
And when you need me, put your arms around anyone and give them what you need to give me.
I want to leave you something, something better than words or sounds,
Look for me in the people I've known or loved, you can love me most by letting hands touch hands.
Love doesn't die, people do; so when all that is left of me is love, give it away."

OBITUARY
Acton – Karen Ann (Swanson) Ellis, beloved wife of Edward J. Ellis, returned home to our Lord on November 27, 2012. She passed peacefully at home after a long term illness. In addition to her husband of 53 years, Karen is survived by her 5 children; Kathleen M. Companion and Corey Pafford of Franklin, NH, James E Ellis and Jean-Marie of Westford, MA, Ann M. Martin and Kevin of Templeton, MA, David J Ellis and Susan of Framingham, MA and Mary Anne Ellis and Christine Pelosi of Dedham, MA. Also by her siblings; Edward Swanson and his wife Joyce of Daytona, FL, Mary McDonough and her husband Paul of Milton, MA, Janice Lucey and her husband Jack of Quincy, MA, 12 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brother Joseph Swanson.

Karen was born in Dorchester, MA to Joseph O. and Anna M. (McCarron) Swanson. She was a long time resident of Acton, MA and an active member of the Acton Women’s Club. Karen loved her family and friends deeply and believed strongly in her faith. She was known to all as a patient, wise, generous and gentle woman.

Calling hours will be held at the Acton Funeral Home, 470 Massachusetts Ave, (Rte 111) on Fri., Nov. 30, 2012 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Sat., December 1, 2012 at St. Elizabeth of Hungary, 89 Arlington Street, Acton MA, followed by interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, Concord Road, Acton Center. In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the charity of your choice in Karen’s name.