OBITUARIES

Ellen M. Mach, 80

10/14/2023

ADAMS, Mass. — Mrs. Ellen M. (Dobrowolski) Mach, 80, of Adams, passed away on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Williamstown Commons. She was born in Adams on November 6, 1942, a daughter of the late Emil and Esther (Phillips) Dobrowolski. She attended Adams schools, graduating from the former Adams Memorial High School with the Class of 1960.

She then earned her bachelor’s degree in education from the former North Adams State College in 1964. Ellen worked as the science laboratory assistant at Hoosac Valley High School for 25 years, until retiring in 2004; she was beloved by the students, even the bad-asses. Her duties included handing out pencils, acting as lookout for the science teachers smoking in the back room, and limiting the use of scientific balances for weighing out weed. She delighted in spending time with her family and friends, swimming, hiking, gardening, and knitting. Her group of outdoorswomen, the Wild Women of the Woods, spent many happy hours cross-country skiing, swimming at North Pond, hiking throughout the North Berkshires, and celebrating birthdays and other milestones. Her friends in the Hoosac Valley Motorcycle Club and Western Mass Athletic Club brought her particular joy at many events and parties. Her family will treasure memories of cold-water swimming at Bellevue Falls, hiking on Mt. Greylock (particularly the trail with Eastern Spotted Newts), enjoying her delicious pies and turkey dinner, and even spending quality time picking potato bugs at the garden.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Francis M. Mach, whom she married on August 8, 1964; her daughter, Jennifer Mach and her husband Michael Rogus of Chicago, IL; her son, Lawrence Mach and his wife Loretta Mach of Adams; four grandchildren, Fern Rogus, Kimberly Mach, Andrew Mach, and Sylvia Mach; two sisters, Jane Crouch of Garland, ME, and Ann Dobrowolski of Adams; as well as several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents and sister, Marie Cashin of Acton, ME.

Visiting hours in the PACIOREK FUNERAL HOME, 13 Hoosac St. Adams, will be held on Monday, Oct. 23rd from 4–6 PM. Following visiting hours, all are invited to join Ellen’s family at the Forest Park Country Club, 41 Forest Park Ave. Adams, from 6 PM until 8 PM to share memories and celebrate Ellen’s life. Committal services will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 24th at 11:00 AM in Bellevue Cemetery, Adams.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the charity of your choice, possibly including dementia- or hydrocephalus-related organizations. To leave a message of condolence, or for directions, please go online to www.paciorekfuneral.com

Obituary Posted By:

Recollections & Sympathy For the Family
Post Comment

Mr bobweic couldn’t have said it better himself; “ Ellen worked as the science laboratory assistant at Hoosac Valley High School for 25 years, until retiring in 2004; she was beloved by the students, even the bad-asses. Her duties included handing out pencils, acting as lookout for the science teachers smoking in the back room, and limiting the use of scientific balances for weighing out weed. ” She truly was an amazing person! She will be truly missed.
from: Nathan Girard	on: 10-27-2023

So sad to see one more very good friend has gone to a new “home”. Ellen was in every educational step with me from Commercial Street Elementary in Adams to CT Plunkett Junior High to Adams Memorial High School to North Adams State College. Part of my North Adams Transcript newspaper route covered delivery to her home across the playground of the elementary school. Ellen was always involved in the Honor Society and other doings at North Adams State. She instituted the annual '64 Science-Math reunion gatherings held for many years at local restaurants. My husband and I had a wonderful day celebrating her and Pancho's wedding in August of 1964. Their daughter, Jennifer, and our son were born in the North Adams hospital in 1966, only two days apart. What a wonderful friendship for so many years! Dennis and I extend our deepest condolences to her husband, Francis (Poncho), to her children, Jennifer and Lawrence and to her sisters and her grandchildren. She will be sadly missed.
from: Ruth (Lambert) Zicko	on: 10-27-2023

Im, sorry to hear about Mrs Mach's passing! I spent many study halls hanging out in the lab with her. She was one of the nicest people on planet Earth. RIP
from: Ryan P	on: 10-26-2023

Sincerest condolences to Larry and family. Your mother was the sweetest lady.
from: Michelle Cutler	on: 10-23-2023

My condolences to all the Mach family. I was part of the Hoosac Valley High School family who were so blessed to know Ellen and to witness her kindness to all. The angels now have new company. Rest well, Ellen.
from: Judith Belanger	on: 10-23-2023

My condolences to all the Mach family. I was part of the Hoosac Valley High School family who were so blessed to know Ellen and to witness her kindness to all. The angels now have new company. Rest well, Ellen.
from: Judith Belanger	on: 10-23-2023

Pancho and Larry, so sorry to hear of Ellen's passing. A wonderful woman, somehow managing to thrive as an awesome treasurer and secretary of the miscreants known as the Hoosac Valley Motorcycle Club. When there was work to be done she was always there, as a much-needed calming influencer.
from: Peter Haviland	on: 10-21-2023

Mr. Mach, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your wife. I remember her joining in on some of our field trips from Clarksburg School. She was a very nice person.
from: Pam (Richards) Kidder	on: 10-21-2023

My sympathy to all Ellen's family. We all grew up together on Temple Street A lady of the finest kind . Lucy Anthony Czaja
from: Lucy Anthony Czaja	on: 10-21-2023

I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Thinking of you at this time for the entire family and especially for Larry and his wife.
from: Wendy Robert	on: 10-21-2023

Ellen was a smart sweet lady who kept the Phillip's cousins connected. Enjoy a chat with Grandma Rena, your parents and Marie. You will be sorely missed Ellen. Rest in Peace.
from: Chris Lucka	on: 10-20-2023

Ellen was one of the kindest most caring people I knew. Always a smile, always friendly and caring. She will be missed by so many. Our deepest sympathy and prayers for God's peace and comfort for you.
from: Kathie and Jim Caffrey	on: 10-20-2023

We are so sorry to read about the passing of our fellow PNA Trivia member. Paul and I enjoyed watching her team win most nights. She was definitely on the team to beat! Ellen always came over to have a short chat with Paul, something he always enjoyed. May you be sustained by your fond memories of her and your good times. With sadness, Paul and Kelley Bulmer PNA Trivia past members.
from: Family of Ellen Mach,	on: 10-20-2023

I'm so saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Mach. I have many fond memories of her in my science labs. She was truly such an amazing person, and she will live on forever in our memories. To the Mach family my thoughts and prayers are with you. May the knowledge that she had such a positive impact for so many people in her life bring comfort to you during this difficult time.
from: Erica Brazeau	on: 10-20-2023

I am truly sorry to be reading this. Ellen was a saint at HVHS. She was extremely helpful to me when I was a student teacher and a long term sub. I really enjoyed her company while I was there. May she rest in peace. To the family, my deepest sympathies.
from: Judy LIcht	on: 10-20-2023

My sincere condolences to Ellen’s family. I was saddened to read that Ellen was gone. She was very sweet & so friendly. I had seen her at the library book club, & she greeted me & introduced herself at Adams Hometown Mkt. As a new Adams resident, I really appreciated her friendliness.
from: Diane Parsons	on: 10-20-2023

Pancho, so sorry to hear this news. I will miss when she used to scare me on the nature trail and beat us at trivia. Always a smile and concern for what was going on. My kids always speak highly of her also. What more can any of us ask.
from: Christine & John Moyer	on: 10-20-2023

She put up with us in science lab and played on our intramural volleyball team. Such a nice lady and very kind.
from: Robert haddad	on: 10-20-2023

I am sorry for your loss. Jennie Pierce
from: Jennie Pierce	on: 10-20-2023

I am so sad today reading this . Ellen was an angel in disguise. Always willing to lend a hand. Always finding the good in any situation. Pancho and family please know I am sending prayers your way. May Ellen rest in peace and fly with the angels.
from: judith clarno	on: 10-20-2023

Memorials

BUY MEMORIAL