Theresa M Ellis

Theresa M. Ellis (Donahoe), of St Augustine, Florida, formerly of  South Weymouth , passed away peacefully on March 14, 2026 at the remarkable age of 102 with family by her side.  Theresa was lovingly known as "Gramma" and "Mother Theresa" to many. Born in Dorchester on July 29, 1923, she was the daughter of the late William and Mary (Fleming) Donahoe and was a graduate of Dorchester High School for Girls, Class of 1940.

Mrs. Ellis married her beloved husband, the late Joseph E Ellis, Sr., on June 22, 1946. They shared a lifetime of love and family. Their life began in South Boston, later settling in South Weymouth in 1953. There, they lovingly raised their family and created a lifetime of cherished memories. She was devoted to her faith and her family above all else. Theresa lived a long and beautiful life centered around family, laughter and the simple joy of being together.  Her home, in South Weymouth, was a gathering place for family and friends. Her door was always open, welcoming all around her table creating memories and sharing memories.  

She was actively involved in the 1950s with the Pond Plain Improvement Association and in the 1960s with the St. Francis Xavier Drill Team and Drum Corps and with the St. Francis Xavier Christmas Bazaars. A talented and creative woman, she enjoyed sewing, crocheting, knitting, painting, gardening, reading and playing word games on her Kindle.  

She was the beloved wife of the late Joseph E Ellis Sr; the loving daughter of the late William and Mary Donahoe, and her late siblings, Clare, Mary, William and Alice.   

Theresa is survived by her three daughters, Theresa Boudreau and her husband Joseph of Florida, Joyce MacPeek of New York,  Margaret Ruffes and her husband Christopher of FL; also survived by her daughters-in-law Deborah Ellis of Brockton, and Denise Ellis of South Weymouth; and 11 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren,  two great great grandchildren and  a sister-in-law and many nephews and nieces.  

Theresa was preceded in death by her two sons, Joseph E Ellis, Jr. and William E Ellis, and her son-in-law, Eric MacPeek.  

In accordance with Theresa's wishes,  her funeral services will be private.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made in Theresa's memory to Hospice at hospicefoundation.org or to the National Ataxia Foundation at ataxia.org in memory of the Joseph E Ellis Sr., family.