A resident of Marblehead, Ellen was born November 6, 1956 in Philadelphia, PA. She died peacefully, surrounded by family, on February 22, 2023, after a valiant battle against Aspergillosis.

Daughter of Robert Francis Mattson Sr. (deceased) of East Boston, MA and Dorothy Mae (West) Mattson of Beverly, MA. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Paul Donald Holder. Eldest son Jason Paul Holder, his wife Elaine and their children Anthony, Ethan, Devorah and Nathanial. Youngest son Geoffery Donald Holder, his wife Diane and their daughter Kaitlyn.

Ellen is also survived by her brothers Robert Francis Mattson Jr. and his wife Donna, David, Michael and Richard Mattson. Ellen was predeceased by two brothers Charles and Daniel Mattson.

In her younger years Ellen liked to go candlepin bowling, play horseshoes and dance. She thoroughly enjoyed these activities, especially dancing, until rheumatoid arthritis began making these activities more and more painful. She also continued to enjoy gardening, cooking and making a home for her family.

Ellen was known for her wonderful laugh and ready smile. She loved animals, with a special affinity for strays, several of which she took in and made a home for as the family pet. She liked to entertain house guests, hated the clean up the next day and her last words to many guests as they left were "Here take this with you" which could refer to anything from leftover food to jewelry or any number of small items that she wanted her guests to have. She was truly a loving and giving woman of great tolerance but if pushed beyond the limit of her tolerance, which took some doing,…..watch out.

Her family would like to say a special thank you to the doctors and nurses of the Salem Hospital ICU for the special care they provided to Ellen in her final months. THANK YOU.

Her husband pleads with anyone who is immunosuppressed, or knows someone who is immunosuppressed, to PLEASE WEAR A MASK capable of filtering mold spores when gardening or doing any activity where mold spores could be present in abundance.

Ellen's wake/viewing will be held at the Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., Salem, MA 01970 on Wednesday, March 1, 2023. Viewing hours will be from 4 PM to 8 PM. For online guestbook, please visit www.murphyfuneralhome.com .