Ellen K. Pitrowski

     Ellen K. (Short) Pitrowski, 94, mother, grandmother, and longtime Rowley resident, passed away on Tuesday May 31, 2022, after a period of declining health. She was the beloved wife of the late Stephen M. Pitrowski Sr.

      Ellen was born in Rowley, MA on January 20, 1928, the daughter of the late Newell and Eldora (Kay) Short. Being the middle of three children, one was never sure whom the biggest jokester was. Paul, Ellen, and Nelson spent a lifetime teasing and playing jokes on each other; including putting coal in Christmas stockings as children, short-sheeting beds and as legend has it a variety of other practical jokes.

     After attending Ipswich High School, she worked at a variety of jobs including being a telephone operator prior to the conversion to dial service within Rowley.  Later, she was to find her calling as a caregiver to the elderly or disabled, having worked at Seaview Retreat for many years when her children were young, and later at Danvers State Hospital and a variety of group homes for the developmentally disabled.

      Always known for her kind heart and willing to lend a helping hand, Ellen was always the first to volunteer to help out in any situation, whether it be working fundraisers for the VFW auxiliary, caring for ill family or friends, hulling strawberries for the church strawberry festival or opening her home to those in need.

    After retiring, she got bitten by the travel bug and became a “snow bird”, spending winters in Florida with her husband, then after his passing, cruises to Bermuda, Alaska, Canada, and a variety of bus trips with her family and many friends.

     Ellen is survived by her daughter, Kathy (Pitrowski) Kodwyck; grandson, Joseph Kodwyck; several cousins, nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her brothers, Nelson and Paul Short and her son. Stephen Pitrowski Jr. She adored her grandson and treasured every moment she had with him, having moved from Rowley to Amesbury while he was young to spend more time with him.

     Special thanks to Compassus Hospice, Care Dimensions Hospice, and the staff at Country Center for Heatlh and Rehab., for the wonderful compassion and care they provided.

     Due to the ongoing pandemic, a graveside funeral service will be held at the family plot at Rowley Burial Ground on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 11 a.m.

     In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Ellen’s memory be made to Horizon Club, P.O. Box 1165, Newburyport, MA,  01950.  This local social club for those with developmental disabilities, was very dear to Ellen and her family.  To light a memorial candle or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.fsrobertsandson.com.  Arrangements entrusted to F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home of Rowley.

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