Timeline for Ellen T. (Tanoury) Goncalves
Born: May 26, 1950
Died: December 17, 2025
Ellen T. (Tanoury) Goncalves, 75, of Ludlow, passed away on December 17, 2025. Daughter of the late Anthony and Betty (Blair) Tanoury, she was born on May 26, 1950 and raised in Utica, NY. She moved to Ludlow, MA with her husband Albino Goncalves and children in 1980. She worked for many years as a pharmacy tech, where she was known for her kindness and strong work ethic. Ellen was beyond exceptional at everything she did. She did all with perfection, taking pride in every detail. An incredibly unique mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she showered her family with unconditional love, affection and support. Ellen found joy in the simple things that made a house a home. She loved cooking and keeping her house spotless and organized. She especially loved her daily face time calls. She adapted to new technologies that would keep her connected, especially to her teenage great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her beautiful face, sharp mind, her funny, non-intentional wit and charm. She was always a strong, loving presence in her family’s lives.
Ellen is survived by her children Alexander Goncalves (Kelly Murphy) and Elizabeth “BJ” Sady (Donald); her loving partner of 40 years James Nowakowski; her favorite brothers Joseph, Anthony, Lawrence and Jeffrey Tanoury; her adored sisters Maryann Tanoury-Loy and Laura Cross. She also leaves her beloved grandchildren Desiree, Tanoury, Kaitlyn, Brittany and Jake, as well as her treasured great-grandchildren Brad, Lexi, Joshua, Milana, Allie, Leila and Bryan; her cherished godchildren Christopher Tanoury and Victoria Azzarito and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her favorite brother Chris Tanoury who was always in her heart.
All services are private. Memorial donations in Ellen’s memory may be made to a breast cancer charity of one’s choice.
Our mother left her mark on the world
Our heartfelt condolences to Jim and to Ellen’s close and loving family. We would meet up with Ellen and Jim for several weeks every year in Florida until her health issues made travelling so impractical. Most recently we visited her closer to home, meeting up in Ludlow and Boston and spending a few days together at Lake George NY. Ellen was always such fun: upbeat, positive and so interested in everyone’s lives. She was kind, wise, thoughtful and insightful. All the while her health was limiting what she could do, but we never once heard Ellen complain. She will be very much missed. We are 3000 miles away, in the UK, and we wish we could have made it got MA to say our goodbyes, but we will say a prayer and light a candle for a much loved friend. June and Mick Hellicar
My friend Alex, and sister Beth, I'm very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I liked your Mom very much, she was always friendly with me and my Mom and Dad, especially while she was working in the pharmacy. Please take solace in your time of bereavement, in knowing that she is now in the greatest hands of all. Tom Klimek
Please accept my sincere condolences to the families of Ellen. I remember her fondly. I pray for your peace and comfort during this most difficult time. Sincerely, Sandra (Sissy) George
I know that Ellen along with her siblings had a very special place in my Dad's heart. The same with my mom's heart. I feel blessed that I got to see her at Brandy's wedding. So beautiful, witty & charming with a bear of a hug & soft kiss on the cheek that really meant a lot to me. I'm sorry for her family's loss but, I know she will be with all of you in spirit just one sweet memory away. RIP lovely lady! You are all in our thoughts & prayers. In sympathy & with love, John, Bernadette Shea & Riley.
David Sady
All services are private
Memorial donations in Ellen’s memory may be made to a breast cancer charity of one’s choice.
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Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home.
Our heartfelt condolences to Jim and to Ellen’s close and loving family. We would meet up with Ellen and Jim for several weeks every year in Florida until her health issues made travelling so impractical. Most recently we visited her closer to home, meeting up in Ludlow and Boston and spending a few days together at Lake George NY. Ellen was always such fun: upbeat, positive and so interested in everyone’s lives. She was kind, wise, thoughtful and insightful. All the while her health was limiting what she could do, but we never once heard Ellen complain. She will be very much missed. We are 3000 miles away, in the UK, and we wish we could have made it got MA to say our goodbyes, but we will say a prayer and light a candle for a much loved friend. June and Mick Hellicar
My friend Alex, and sister Beth, I'm very sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I liked your Mom very much, she was always friendly with me and my Mom and Dad, especially while she was working in the pharmacy. Please take solace in your time of bereavement, in knowing that she is now in the greatest hands of all. Tom Klimek
Please accept my sincere condolences to the families of Ellen. I remember her fondly. I pray for your peace and comfort during this most difficult time. Sincerely, Sandra (Sissy) George
I know that Ellen along with her siblings had a very special place in my Dad's heart. The same with my mom's heart. I feel blessed that I got to see her at Brandy's wedding. So beautiful, witty & charming with a bear of a hug & soft kiss on the cheek that really meant a lot to me. I'm sorry for her family's loss but, I know she will be with all of you in spirit just one sweet memory away. RIP lovely lady! You are all in our thoughts & prayers. In sympathy & with love, John, Bernadette Shea & Riley.
David Sady
Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home.