Ethel M. Gross

Ethel M. (Leavitt) Gross, 88 of Rowley, died peacefully in Newburyport, MA on November 29, 2018 surrounded by her family.  Born March 29, 1930, the daughter of the late Charles M. Leavitt and Floris L. (Swicker) Leavitt.  She was the wife of the late Malcolm (Mickey) Gross Jr., with whom she shared 59 years of marriage until his passing in 2008.  She graduated from Ipswich High School Class of 1948.  She worked for Quint’s Drug Store in Ipswich, Sylvania Corp. and ran her own lunch counter in Danversport, prior to starting her family. She spent many years raising her family and later worked for Leavitt Shellfish in Rowley, Castle Hill Lobster in Ipswich, and Agawam Diner in Rowley.

Ethel loved spending time with her family.  She adored her husband Mickey who she has sadly missed these last 10 years.  She enjoyed cooking and loved watching her backyard birds. 

Ethel is survived by her daughter Pamela Durkee and husband Michael of Rowley, son Michael Gross and wife Michelle of West Gardiner, ME; four grandchildren, Ryan Durkee and wife Bethany of Pelham, NH, Tammy Berkey and husband Jason of Farmington, ME, Kristin Harris and husband Scott of Mechanic Falls, ME, and Christopher Gross and wife Samantha of Bangor, ME; four great grandchildren, Tashia and Chelsie Berkey, Macey Harris, and Thomas Durkee; brother Eldridge Leavitt, Aunt Evelyn Swicker ,sister in law Frieda Leavitt, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was pre-deceased by brothers Malcolm Leavitt, Charles Leavitt, & Ashley Leavitt, and sisters in law Dorothy Burek, Annie Leavitt, Barbara Leavitt, and Elizabeth Leavitt.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.  The family wishes to thank the staff of Port Healthcare Center and Care Dimensions for the loving care provided to Ethel over the past 11 months.  

Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 10:00 a.m., at the F.S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home, 14 Independent Street, Rowley. Calling hours will be on Tuesday, December 4, 2018 from 4-7 p.m. Burial will be in Main Street Cemetery. Memorial donations in her name, may be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923, or Resident Activity Fund at Port Healthcare, 113 Low St., Newburyport, MA 01950.  

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