Leila A. Dowd Ellefsen, 87, of East Longmeadow passed away on Wednesday, August 9, 2017 at East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing Home.  Born in Suffield, CT on July 20, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Leland and Gertrude (Sussman) King. Leila was a 1948 graduate of Commerce High School and worked as an LPN at Wing Hospital in Palmer. While raising her children, she drove school bus in Hampden and trained to become an LPN. Leila enjoyed bowling and square dancing, took daily walks, listened to Patsy Cline, and never missed the chance to work a crossword puzzle. Her travels took her and Rolf to Norway several times, where she met his family and toured the beautiful countryside. Most memorable was the annual 4th of July picnic she hosted for the family so her grandchildren could attend the nearby East Longmeadow parade. Besides her parents, Leila was predeceased by her husband Rolf A. Ellefsen in 2013. She is survived by her children, Michael C. Dowd (Jeanne) of Hampden, Ellen R. Dowd (Tim Marrinan) of Springfield, and Patrick L. Dowd (Lori) of West Springfield; her cherished grandchildren Maureen (Steve), Ryan, Shawn and Shannon; her sisters Betty Bava of Agawam and Ruth Gaines (Tom) of East Longmeadow; her many nieces and nephews; and her very dear friend Diane Sweryda. The family wishes to extend their grateful thanks to the East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing Center staff for the excellent care she received while a resident.   All services for Leila will be private. Donations may be made in lieu of flowers to RETT Syndrome 4600 Devitt Dr. Cincinnati, OH 45246 or Rettsyndrome.org. 

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