Ellen Monica (Walsh) Rocheleau, 85, died peacefully on the Feast of St. Joseph, Monday, March 20, 2023. Ellen was born in 1937 to the late Patrick and Bridget (Griffin) Walsh. Her husband of 54 years, Donald C. Rocheleau, died in 2017. She leaves her children Kathleen Freeman and her husband Richard, and Patrick J. Rocheleau and his wife Rosario, all of Worcester, Brenda Lee Franchi and her husband Anthony of Westwood, and Eileen Barnhouse and her husband Kenneth of California, MD; seven grandchildren: Matthew Freeman and his wife Cassidy; James Freeman and his wife Jacquelyn; Joseph, Patrick, and Mitchel Manning, and Samuel and Katherine Barnhouse; four great-grandsons and many dear nieces and nephews in Ireland and the U.S. Ellen was predeceased by her siblings John, Sr. Mary Walsh, F.M.M., Patrick, and Joan Sharpe, and her beloved Auntie Catherine, who graciously returned from America in 1938 to care for her and her siblings after Bridget succumbed to cancer.
Ellen was born in Annascaul, County Kerry, Ireland, and spoke fondly of the many days she spent at Bunaneer and Inch Beach with her siblings. In 1957, she sailed over on a steamship to make a life for herself in America, living in Harvard Square with her aunts and uncles. A few years later while working in Boston, she met and married Donald and they traveled the country. They eventually settled in Worcester, as she found it had everything she needed. Once her children were older, she began working at St. Vincent’s Hospital on Winthrop St., and retired in 2000.
Ellen was blessed with a simplicity of faith that was profound and unshakeable. She had a quick wit and an easy manner, and her advice was sought after by many. She had a sacrificial love for her children and grandchildren, always living in the moment with them, and sharing her joy of the beauty found in nature. She loved walking and reading, and enjoyed reciting her favorite poetry by memory, especially those about Ireland. She was a daily Mass communicant, devoted to the Rosary, and spent many hours in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
Ellen’s funeral Mass is Friday, March 24th at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Parish, 353 Grove St., Worcester, with burial in St. John's Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday, March 23rd, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Henry - Dirsa Funeral Home, 33 Ward St., Worcester. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Catholic Bishop of Northern Alaska, 1316 Peger Road, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709.