Ellen B. (Burns) Moriarty

HOLYOKE

Ellen (Burns) Moriarty, of Holyoke, died peacefully the night of Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at Armbrook Village Compass Memory Unit.

She was born in Holyoke, the beloved only child of George R. and Gertrude (Griffin) Burns. She was lovingly raised by her mother following George’s death in 1941. She returned her mother’s dedication and loyalty, caring for Gertrude at home until her passing in 1979. Ellen graduated from Holyoke High School in 1956 and she received her Associates Degree from Holyoke Junior College. Ellen married Neil J. Moriarty, Jr. in 1960, and together they had five children whom they raised in Holyoke.

A proud lifelong resident of Holyoke, she was a dedicated leader of numerous civic, arts and educational programs over many years. She was a founding community member of Holyoke’s Head Start, served on the committee celebrating Holyoke’s Centennial, was actively engaged in bringing the Armand Hammer exhibit to Heritage State Park in 1987 and led the development of the Kelly Constant playground at Community Park. She and her family were particularly proud of her work on the campaign to renovate the Holyoke Public Library, where Ellen served as Board President when the planning began.

She was a singular presence who will be fondly remembered by her many friends in Holyoke and in Groton Long Point, Ct., where she spent many happy summers.

Ellen is survived by her three sons -- Michael (Susan) of Holyoke, Neil (Lauren) of Newtown Square, PA, and George (Regina) of Newtown, PA. -- son-in-law James Nadeau of Holyoke and 10 grandchildren: Aiden, Josephine, Manon, Dylan, Olivia, Hannah, Holland, Brendan, Megan and Cara. She also leaves her beloved cousin, Jack Hickson and his family, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. Ellen was predeceased by her husband Neil, daughters Elizabeth Moriarty Nadeau and Catherine Moriarty, and her granddaughter, Margaret Catherine Nadeau.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held for Ellen at 10:30 am on December 27, 2021, at Saint Jerome Church, 169 Hampden Street, Holyoke. Calling hours will be held that morning from 8:30-10:00 am at the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Ellen Moriarty to the Holyoke Public Library http://www.holyokelibrary.org/aboutdonate.asp.

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