Ellen N. (Noel) Manolakis, 92, of Springfield, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at Mercy Medical Center. Ellen was born in South Hadley, MA., on August 4, 1925, the daughter of the late Ernest and Kathryn (Quigley) Noel. In addition to her parents she was also predeceased by her husband Spiros George Manolakis in 1981, a son Matthew James Manolakis in 2013, and a brother Edgar Noel. She is survived by six devoted children Chris Manolakis and his wife Elizabeth of West Springfield, Peter Manolakis and his wife Connie of Wilbraham, Michael Manolakis and his wife Lynn of Fresno, CA, Kathryn Walker and her husband Cameron of Springfield and Ellen Sibilia and her husband Jimmy of Middletown, CT, and Stephen Manolakis of Chicopee, MA.  Ellen leaves eleven cherished grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, a niece Kathryn Noel and a nephew Norman Noel both of CT. Ellen was a graduate of South Hadley High School, Class of 1943. Ellen was a graduate of American International College in 1947 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Services and a graduate of Fitchburg State University in 1948 with a Master’s in Education.  Ellen was an elementary school teacher in Granby, MA and a Chapter 1 teacher in the Springfield School system for over 20 years.  After retirement from teaching in the elementary school system at the age of 62, Ellen continued her teaching career with adults for over 20 years at Springfield Technical Community College teaching English as a Second Language and U.S. Citizenship classes.  Ellen also taught citizenship in the community classes to the local Boy Scout Troop.  Ellen was a member of the St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral and was actively involved on the Church Council. Ellen also belonged for many years to the St. Sophia Auxiliary of the Greek American Progressive Associations.  Ellen’s first love was children but her second love was her country.  Ellen belonged to many political organizations including the Tea Party, Springfield Republican City Committee, Right to Life Committee and the 9/12 Committee.  Well into her 80’s, Ellen marched every January in Washington D.C. for the Right to Life Organization or would be seen holding banners for conservative movements.  Calling hours will be held on Sunday, October 15, 2017 from 3p.m-6p.m. at the Byron Keenan Funeral Home, 1858 Allen Street, Springfield, MA 01118. Family and friends will meet directly at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral at 10:30a.m. on Monday October 16, at 8 Plainfield Street, Springfield, MA. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Park Cemetery in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children Springfield Unit, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA, 01104 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105. Please visit www.byronkeenan.com

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