PEABODY, MA - It is with a heavy heart and an abundance of love that we share with you the passing of our beloved mother, Orlo Marion (Cann) Ellis on Wednesday, January 19, 2022, with loving family by her side. She was the devoted wife of the late Michael “Bill” William Ellis, Jr.

Born in Peabody during the depression, she was the daughter of the late Frank E. Cann, Sr. and Louise V. (Vose) Cann. Even though times were tough, she was able to take elocution lessons as a young girl, and performed at many church and civic group recitals and entertainment programs across the North Shore, and was featured on three radio stations.

Orlo graduated from Peabody High School, class of 1946 and shortly after went to work at the Warren Five Cents Savings Bank, where she met many dear friends, as well as her future husband, next door at Curtis’s Drug Store.

Bill and Orlo married and settled into South Peabody where they raised their family of six children, while she was the bookkeeper for the family business, M.W. Ellis Oil Company. After her husband and son, Donnie, passed away, she ran the business aided by a special friend. Her whole life, Orlo was also a devoted, beloved caregiver to many.

The Ellis household was always full of neighbors and friends, many of whom often shared a seat at her dinner table. Orlo was well known for her Tuesday night Sunday dinners that she had weekly for close to forty years. Often they included twelve to eighteen people, sometimes more. All the holidays and birthdays were celebrated in her warm, loving home.

Orlo loved to read, bake, watch Hallmark movies, follow the Red Sox, dine out and travel throughout New England. Her greatest joy was being surrounded by her whole family. She was so proud of them all.

She is survived by her loving family: her children, Elaine and Jack Marshall, Ken Ellis, Larry Ellis and Erica Khan, Marianne and Don Onusseit, and Michael and Patti Ellis; her grandchildren, Julie and John Hinchion, Laura Onusseit, David and Tiffany Onusseit, and Nicole Ellis and Mike Robinson; her great-grandchildren, Alexis and Jemma Onusseit, Cedric, Leroy and Celia Hinchion. She was their beloved Nana Orlo and they filled her home and heart with laughter and happiness.

She is also survived by many nieces and nephews including Richard and Su Cann, Sr. Kathleen Therese Cassidy, SND, Kathy Cassidy, John and Pippi Cassidy, Jim and Candy Cassidy, and her special niece who visited yearly from Idaho, Mary Hereford. Orlo leaves behind friends who were like family, especially the Cronin family, Nilla Ditty and family, Janet Woodbury and Julie and Mary Ellen Zielski.

In addition to her husband and parents, Orlo was predeceased by her son, Donnie, daughter-in-law, Kathleen Ellis, her brother Frank E. Cann, Jr. and many loving in-laws.

Orlo was loved, admired and remembered fondly by all who met her. She will be greatly missed.

Her family would like to extend their gratitude to All Care of Lynn and All Care Hospice who assisted Orlo and her family with kindness, care and compassion.

As per her request, there will be a graveside service on Thursday, January 27 at 11:00 AM in Cedar Grove Cemetery, South Peabody. Friends and family are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Orlo’s memory to Wellspring House, 302 Essex Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930 or the Citizens Inn/Haven from Hunger, 81 Main Street, Peabody, MA 01960.