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Elinor "Ellie" H Arsenault, a radiant beam of creativity, inspiration, and dedication, was born on February 22, 1935, in Gardner, Massachusetts, and made her indelible mark on the world until July 30, 2026. Known for her loving spirit and immeasurable warmth, Elinor was a steadfast pillar of her community, a beacon of resilience and strength. Her professional journey as a charge nurse at Heywood Hospital and the Walter E. Fernal School spanned an impressive fifty years, a testament to her unwavering dedication and commitment to the healthcare profession. The impact she had on countless lives is profound, and her legacy will forever be etched in the corridors of these institutions.
Elinor's artistic prowess shone brightly in her hobbies, which encapsulated her dynamic personality. She was a masterful cook and baker, a seamstress with a keen eye for detail, and an award-winning painter whose portraits added vibrant hues to life’s canvas. Her love for Swedish weaving and quilting was a reflection of her intricate personality. Elinor's heartfelt creativity extended to her ventures on the Cape, where she would attend farmers' markets to sell homemade jams, jellies, and pies made from berries she handpicked. These activities were not just hobbies but vehicles through which she shared her knowledge, teaching others and inspiring them to create. Elinor's life was an exquisite tapestry, woven with threads of love, dedication, and inspiration, which she generously shared with her loved ones and her community. Upon her retirement, Ellie and Joe purchased their second home in Sarasota, FL, and they were very active in their new community and with their new friends. They also loved to travel throughout the United States, Canada and the Islands.
Elinor Arsenault is survived by her daughter, Dawn Reynolds; her son, Lloyd Oja; her grandchildren, Benjamin Oja, Avery Oja-Miltimore, and Cate Oja-Miltimore; and her sister, Sylvia Mayo, and many nieces and nephews who she loved deeply. She was preceded in death by her parents, Raoul and Madeline Cloutier, her stepmother, Anna Cloutier, and sister, Sheila Kimball. Her memory will forever be cherished by all who were fortunate to know her.
We encourage you to share your memories of Elinor and upload photos to the memorial page, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire future generations. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.mackfamilyfh.com
A calling hour will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. in the Stone Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central St., Winchendon, MA, with a funeral service to follow at 3:30 p.m. in the funeral home. Her burial will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a memorial contribution, please do so to either the Beacon Hospice, 36 Williams Street, Leominster, MA 01453 or to the French Connection,
925 West Broadway, Gardner, MA 01440.
Stone Ladeau Funeral Home
Stone Ladeau Funeral Home
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