Eleanor Walter Rees

Eleanor Walters Rees, 87, of Boston Road, Springfield, MA peacefully passed away on Thursday afternoon, December 17, 2020 following a long illness.

Eleanor, daughter of Robert Drake Rees and Emily Morse Rees, was born in Ayer, Massachusetts on January 20, 1933.

During the years of 1949 - 1951, Eleanor worked as a camp counselor at Green Mountain Camp in VT, then as a packer/machine operator at Sugarloaf Processing Plant. In 1951 Eleanor graduated from Charlemont High School and married John Shippee Jr, which later ended in divorce. At 20 years old, Eleanor was hired as a second shift, ground level worker in the experimental assembly department at Pratt & Whitney/United Technologies. She worked her way up to an administrative position, within said department, until her retirement 40 years later.

She was known by many for being friendly, knowledgeable and willing to assist where needed. Her family thought of her as an independent woman who was adventurous, fun, and fiercely loyal to her mother, father and sisters. Eleanor enjoyed the outdoors and travelling. She developed a love for all things related to hot air ballooning and eventually became a ballooning crew member. She spent many vacations snowmobiling, motorcycling, RV-ing and travelling. Her interest in her family’s connection to the descendants of the Mayflower, led to her enrollment in the Mayflower Society.

Survivors include three half sisters; Sally Fitch of Londonderry, NH, Ann Salvail of Brasher Falls, NY, and Kay Kiele of Richmond, VA. She was predeceased by her sister Elizabeth (Betsy) Lincoln, and her beloved cat, Pants.

Due to COVID restrictions there will be no wake or calling hours. A graveside burial service will take place in Pepperell, MA at a date and time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society. McGaffigan Family Funeral Home of Pepperell, MA is directing the arrangements.