Esther Charlotte McLellan

Esther Charlotte (Smith) McLellan, age 81, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 15, 2021, at Whitney Place in Sharon, Massachusetts, surrounded by love. Born in North Stratford, New Hampshire on April 28, 1940, she was the daughter of the late Selma K. (Keenan) Smith. She was raised surrounded by her extended family in Berlin, New Hampshire. Esther graduated from Saint Joseph's Academy in Portland, Maine with the Class of 1958 and went on to graduate from Catherine Laboure School of Nursing with the Class of 1960. Upon graduation, Esther accepted a position in the Operating Room at Carney Hospital in Boston.

Esther married her beloved husband, Paul E. McLellan, on February 24, 1962, at Saint Kieran’s Church in her hometown of Berlin. The young couple made their home together in Quincy, Massachusetts before settling in Natick. Esther’s nursing career adapted to the needs of her growing family as she initially transferred to a medical surgical unit at Newton Wellesley Hospital to be closer to her new home and then worked as a Private Duty Nurse. After taking time to raise her young children, she worked evenings and nights as a supervisor and charge nurse at several local nursing homes. In 1976, Esther and Paul made their home in Hopkinton, where she returned to nursing in the Hopkinton Public School system and then at Marian High School where her daughters and their friends knew they could always stop in between classes for a visit. Additionally, during their High School years, Esther worked nearby in Framingham as an Office Nurse for Dr Stuart Rhein, a local allergist. Once her children moved on to college, Esther worked with the Sisters of Saint Joseph at Bethany Hospital in Framingham as a Staff nurse and then as the Infection Control Coordinator. She then concentrated in Rehabilitation Nursing, first at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company in Natick and then at Private Healthcare Systems in Waltham where she facilitated the recovery and rehabilitation of many injured clients and earned her certification in both Case Management and Rehabilitation Nursing. Esther officially entered retirement in 2003, but anyone who knew her knows that she never retired from nursing. After settling into her new community at Cookingham Greene in Ashland, Esther continued volunteering with both the Hopkinton and Ashland Boards of Health for town sponsored flu clinics, blood pressure checks and other activities. Most recently, Esther settled into her home at Whitney Place in Sharon.

While her home was in Massachusetts, Esther remained a native New Hampshire resident at heart intending to retire with her husband to their home “Kadohas” on Round Pond in Freedom that they built together starting in 1972. Many happy memories were made with family and friends here throughout the years and it was a balm to Esther’s soul to spend time here after her beloved Paul passed away suddenly in 1994.

Esther was a dedicated friend, adored wife, loving Mother and devoted Grandmother. She was the first to bring a meal to someone in need, lend a listening ear or give helpful advice. She was happiest when she was baking or cooking for friends and family. Esther enjoyed traveling to spend time with her daughters and in her later years to Ireland, Norway and Alaska. She took pleasure in practicing her skills in her watercolor classes and sharing arrangements of fresh flowers from her garden. Esther loved taking an offseason walk on the beach having spent many summers on the Maine coast with friends and family. She could be found relaxing with a good book and enjoyed celebrating the holidays. Most of all, Esther adored spending time with her grandchildren. She was always first in the school pickup line and spent every Thursday with “her grandkids” for almost 18 years. She would frequently be seen on sidelines, in bleachers, at dance recitals and at school events staunchly defending and cheering for her crew. She will be deeply missed by her family, dear friends and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Beloved wife of the late Paul E. McLellan. Loving mother of Katharine E. McLellan of Germantown, Maryland, Donna M. McLellan of Weymouth, and Helenanne Hughes and her husband, Sean, of Walpole. Cherished grandmother of Christopher of New Haven, Connecticut, Alexander, Catriona, Shane, and Jonathan all of Walpole.
Sister of the late Hon. Peter Smith and his late wife, Betty (Buffi).
Also survived by dear family friend, Joseph Brooks and his wife, Sandy, of Braintree and their son, Michael Brooks of Boston as well as her loving sister’s in-law and their families, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Esther's visitation on Friday. October 22, 2021, from 4 to 7 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

All are welcome to gather at the funeral home on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at 9:00 AM prior to the Mass of Christian Burial that will be celebrated in Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 59 Cottage Street, Sharon at 10:00 AM. Interment will take place privately at the Lakeview Cemetery in Freedom, New Hampshire.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Old Colony Hospice, 321 Manley Street, West Bridgewater, MA 02379.