Ellen Jean St.Jacques Martin, age 80, died on October 1, 2023 after a period of declining health at Dover Center for Health and Rehabilitation.
Ellen was the eldest daughter of Raymond St.Jacques and Irene Quinn Laflam. Besides her parents she is predeceased by her stepfather, Arthur Laflam and her Godparents Gertrude Quinn and Floyd Martell. Ellen was recently predeceased by her sister Kathryn St.Jacques Labbee and Kathryn’s husband Paul A. Labbee. She is also predeceased by her husband William Martin of Ashland, NH.
Ellen is survived by her former husband, Joseph Jankavich, her daughter Suzanne Jankavich Schoonover (Michael) as well as her twin sons, Christopher and Timothy Jankavich. She leaves her grandchildren Quinn Rose Schoonover, Sylas Michael Schoonover and Noah Christopher Jankavich. Ellen is also survived by her youngest sister Peggy St.Jacques Neill (Thomas), step-brother Paul LaFlamme, her aunt Kathleen Quinn Wesley and several nieces and nephews.
Ellen was born in Easthampton and attended grammar school at the former Immaculate Conception School. She graduated from St. Michael’s High School in Northampton class of 1961. Ellen was gifted with a beautiful singing voice and sang in the Immaculate Conception choir. She participated in the high school’s musicals and was a past member of Sweet Adeline’s women’s group in the 1970-1980’s. Ellen also loved to play Piano, especially one piece, The Fiddler on the Roof. Ellen held various positions as a medical transcriptionist into her 60’s as well as having her own transcription agency.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held at Our Lady of the Valley Church on Thursday, October 26 at 10AM followed by burial at St. Brigid's Cemetery. Boucher- O’Brien Funeral Home in Easthampton has been entrusted with Ellen’s final arrangements.
Ellen’s family would like to thank her wonderful caregivers at Dover Center for Health and Rehabilitation as well as Constellation Hospice. Donations can be made in Ellen’s name to Our Lady of the Valley Take and Eat Program.