NORTHBOROUGH

Kathleen M. Ellsworth, 73, lovingly known to all as Kate, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, March 22, 2026.

She was the devoted mother of her two daughters, Jaclyn A. Crain and her partner Douglas Nickel of Framingham, and Amy M. Bissonnette and her husband Stephen of Worcester. Her family was the center of her life and her greatest source of pride and joy.

Born in Worcester and raised in Northborough, Kate was the daughter of the late Edward and Marie (Brady) Ellsworth. She graduated from Algonquin High School and later studied at Framingham State College. While raising her family, Kate lived in Leominster, before returning to Northborough later in life to be closer to her siblings.

From an early age, Kate enjoyed sports, especially basketball, which she played in high school, and was a loyal Boston sports fan of the Patriots and Celtics. She believed in guardian angels and loved animals, reading, and gardening. Most of all, Kate loved to cook and was always looking for new recipes to try. Holidays were especially meaningful to her, and she always looked forward to having her family together.

Kate met the challenge of a Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis with courage, dignity, and perseverance. She stubbornly made sure that MS never defined her. Her feisty personality, strength, and quick wit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her daughters, Kate is survived by her siblings, Maureen Sargent, Tim Ellsworth, Sheila Cummings and her husband Russ; as well as Mary Tocci and many beloved nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Neil Ellsworth and her twin brother Michael Ellsworth.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday, March 29, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main Street, Northborough. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Monday, March 30, at St. Rose of Lima Parish, 244 West Main Street, Northborough. Interment will take place at a later date in Howard Street Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kate's memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at www.nationalmssociety.org. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.