Mary Ellen (McLennon) Oakes, 81, of 91 Sears Island Dr., died on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at Shrewsbury Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. She leaves her husband of 56 years, John R. “Jack” Oakes; 2 sons: John F. Oakes and his wife Lynn of New Hampshire, Thomas F. Oakes and his companion Maryanne O’Toole of Dudley; a daughter, Bonnie Joyce Markarian and her husband Nathanial of Worcester; 2 brothers; 2 sisters; 8 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. A daughter, Lima T. “Terry” Oakes and 2 sisters, all predeceased her. She was born and raised in Newfoundland and lived there until moving to Worcester over 50 years ago.

Mary Ellen was a payroll clerk at the U.S. Air Force Base in Placentia, Newfoundland where she worked for many years. She was a member of Immaculate Conception Church. She enjoyed gardening, traveling and shopping.

CALLING HOURS are 5 to 8 P.M. on THURSDAY, JAN. 12 at KELLY FUNERAL HOME, 154 Lincoln St. A FUNERAL MASS will be held at 10 A.M. on FRIDAY, JAN. 13 at IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, 353 Grove St. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton, MA.