Obituary of Ellen Marie Enos

Ellen Marie Enos, founder of Ellen’s School of Dance, passed away at home after an extended illness surrounded by her family on Monday afternoon, September 5, 2022. She was 80 years old.  Ellen was born and raised in Somerville. She was one of two daughters born to Daniel and Evelyn (Crowley) Lynch. She attended St. Joseph’s school for all her 12 years of education.  During her childhood, she followed her love of dance and became well versed in all forms of dance. She was a Ballerina,

Head Instructor and Musical Choreographer for Bates School of Dance in Cambridge before beginning her own illustrious career as a Dance Instructor. Her love for dance and sharing that passion with others led her to open Ellen’s School of Dance at the age of 21. She had studios in Somerville and Charlestown from 1963 to 1977. After moving to Burlington in 1964, she wanted to bring her studios closer to her home. So, from 1977 on she opened studios in Burlington, Billerica, Bedford, and Tyngsborough. She taught tap, ballet, jazz, and ballroom to students of all ages. She was the head instructor, artistic director, choreographer, business manager, and every other role necessary to keep her studios running smoothly. Her students knew her as “Miss Ellen” and her studio has seen as many as three generations of family members dance (at their studios).  For Ellen, dance was art. Dance brought music to life. Through body movement, expression of emotion and mood, choreography, performance, dance could tell a story, elicit passion, and whisk the dancer as well as the audience into a magical world. She sought perfection and grace for her students. She was blessed to have shared her knowledge with her daughter Laurie, whom she taught as a child and went on to teach with for almost 20 years. She had the joy of seeing her granddaughters attend her school with one going on to teach the younger students as well. At the age of 60, she officially passed the reigns of the studios to her daughter, but was always just a phone call away or in the audience for practices, recitals, shows, and competition. She understood the varying ability levels of her students and sought to make dance something special for each. Nothing made her happier, than being recognized by former students and hearing how dancing for her was such a special part of their childhood.

Ellen was one who had a strong faith and devotion to her family. She prayed daily for her family and friends. She was always there for her family. She and her husband, Art, have been a couple for 61 years and married for 60 years. He supported her in all her business dealings, and she supported him in his Ambulance business, Marine Corps Toys for Tots, Marine Corps League, and all other charitable events and causes he spearheaded. She was a supportive mother to her son and daughter. Always there to lend a helping hand, give some sincere advice when asked, and host the family gatherings. She was the special “Nanny/Nan” to her grandchildren. She loved going to their recitals, sporting and school events, and any other activity that was important to them. She was a wonderful cook with her pasta and meatballs, company chicken, corned beef, brownies, and cookies being some of their favorite dishes. She and Art have been wintering in Orlando since 2006. Their home was just a short distance from Disney’s back gate, so they regularly hosted quite a few family members and friends during the winter months. They also had a home on Clarey Lake in Jefferson, Maine for 30 years. They had an open-door policy and happily welcomed their children, grandchildren, and their friends. When they were off playing, she was happy to stay back at the home preparing elaborate meals. She was also a talented seamstress who could sew dance costumes, blankets, outfits, doll clothing, and Halloween costumes. The last few years Ellen has faced many health challenges and because of the wonderful care and love showered upon her by her family they were filled with many special moments including the birth of her great granddaughter, Emma. Ellen lived a wonderful life, following her passions, sharing her talents, making others around her feel special and loved, and being the best wife, mother, grandmother, and friend she could be. The memory of Ellen “Miss Ellen” will hold a special place in the hearts of all those she touched during her 80 years. 

Ellen was the beloved wife of Arthur W. Enos. Loving mother of Laurie Pandolfo of Burlington and Steven Enos of Woburn & his partner Susan Marchand. Sister of the late Kathleen Lynch.  Proud grandmother of Neil Pandolfo & his wife Taryn of Burlington, Aubrey and Addison Enos and their mother Tricia, all of Burlington. Great grandmother of Emma Pandolfo. Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., Burlington on Sunday September 11 from 4-7 p.m. Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Monday Sept. 12 at 9am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, www.stveronicama.org, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10am. Services will conclude with a burial in Chestnut Hill Cemetery, Burlington.

Memorials in Ellen’s name may be made to the Ellen Enos Memorial Dance Scholarship Fund, C/O Cambridge Savings Bank, Att: Brooke Jaillet (Mgr.) at 140 Middlesex Turnpike, Burlington, MA 01803.