Mary Jane Walsh-Ellis, of Brookline, MA, passed away on February 23, at the age of 76, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.  She was predeceased by her husband Dr. F. Henry Ellis, Jr. also of Brookline, MA and brother Jack Walsh of Hingham, MA.  She is survived by her sister Sheila Coakley of Westwood, MA, son Michael Ellis of Mill Valley, CA and his wife Meghan Ellis.  Mary Jane was a grandmother of three; Henry Ellis, George Ellis and Grace Ellis, all of Mill Valley, CA.

Mary Jane was born in Quincy, MA to John Walsh and Loretta (McPeck) Walsh.  She attended Archbishop Williams High School in Braintree, MA and St. Elizabeth’s School of Nursing in Boston.  Mary Jane then began a long career in nursing.  After graduating from St. Elizabeth’s School of Nursing, Mary Jane worked at various hospitals in Massachusetts, including McLean Hospital, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital and was head operating room nurse at Faulkner Hospital.  An avid traveler, she also worked as a nurse while living in San Francisco and Barcelona.  After becoming a mother, Mary Jane devoted her time to her son, as well as non-profit work, and completed a part-time MBA program at Babson College.  She finished her career as a project coordinator at Management Sciences for Health in Brookline, MA.

Mary Jane was adored by her family, friends and former colleagues.  Her quick wit and sense of humor brought smiles to those around her.  As a lifelong care-giver she brought comfort and aid to those closest to her, as well as those in her professional care.  In her final years, Mary Jane became a recipient of that same care as a resident of Newbridge on the Charles where she was blessed to be taken care of by wonderful nurses and staff.