WORCESTER: Mary-Ellen (Kneeland) Guillory, 70, passed away February 1, 2022 at Saint Vincent Hospital. She is predeceased by her father James Kneeland Jr. and her former husband Carl Guillory. She leaves her son Jonathan Guillory and his wife Cara and their son Ethan, her mother Ellen (Hannon) Kneeland, her sisters Catherine Rhodes and her husband Jesse, Ann Carlson and her husband John, her brothers James Kneeland III and his wife Ramona, Peter Kneeland and Daniel Kneeland, many nieces and nephews and her long-time companion and friend Steven Shade. Mary-Ellen was born September 2, 1951 in Worcester where she lived for most of her life.
She graduated from Grafton High School Class of 1969 and later graduated from Clark University.
Mary-Ellen enjoyed intellectual pursuits and was a lifelong learner. She was a creative soul. She found beauty in things such as rocks, flowers, birds, nature eventually gaining a deep knowledge about many minerals and gems. She was a poet and an artist. Even her penmanship had flare. When she was young, she was theatrical. She was a hit with her audience, even if it was only aunts and uncles. Later, she volunteered at Foothills theatre.
Mary-Ellen stood up for the underdog. She was not afraid to defy the mainstream for her causes and spent many years on a committee of the ACLU.
Mary-Ellen had a unique and unfathomable perspective she shared with those she loved. She enjoyed philosophy, psychology, art, mythology, and mysticism. She read a lot about eastern philosophy also studied and practiced Kung-Fu and Yoga
Mary-Ellen nurtured her son’s enjoyment of film, math, science, mythology and his many other curiosities and interests.
She worked in Life insurance, the Stock market, and as a Radiation Therapist for several years.
Closer to home she prized time with family and friends above all else.
In lieu of flowers please honor her with a donation to the American Heart Association at www.Heart.org.