Ellen S. McHugo of Canton, Massachusetts, died peacefully in her home on September 25, 2022. She
was 96 years old. Born in 1925, Ellen was the eldest daughter of William and Sophie Skiesgelas. She grew
up in Dorchester and graduated from the Dorchester Girls High School in 1944. Ellen had a great passion
for the arts and was lucky enough to study with local artists such as Charles Reid and Richard Curtis. She
was an avid artist who enjoyed painting with watercolor, woodworking, and she eventually opened her
own custom fashion salon (Sarell’s in Boston) designing costumes and clothing for local Boston entertainers.
Ellen was always looking for ways to improve and practice her craft. For many years she taught Practical
Arts in Brookline and Canton High School to students who loved art as much as she did. Once she settled
down and met the love of her life, the late John McHugo, they bought a home in Canton where they
raised their four children and were active members of the community. They shared a long and happy
marriage marked by mutual love and respect, and Ellen was a proud and loving mother. Once her children were in school,
Ellen continued to look for opportunities to paint and to be involved in the arts. She joined the Canton Art Association and
served in offices from hospitality to President of the Association. She was also a member of the Milton and Norwood Art
Associations and then became a member of the Pawtucket Watercolor Society. Ellen was a dedicated Catholic and faithfully attended St. Gerard’s Catholic Church.
She is survived by Michael W. McHugo and his wife Gale of Canton, Mary E. Andrade and her husband Eduardo of East
Bridgewater, Mark J. McHugo and his wife Paula of Centerville, and Matthew H. McHugo and his wife
Maria of Foxborough. Ellen was the loving sister of Adele Bryan of Bellingham, and the late Francis
Skiesgelas and sister in law Saundra Skiesgelas of Bourne. She is also survived by eight grandchildren,
ten great-grandchildren, and four nieces. Visiting hours are in the Pushard Family Funeral Home, 210 Sherman St., Canton
, on Friday, September 30, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. A Mass of Christian
Burial will be celebrated Saturday, October 1, at 12 noon in St. Oscar Romero Church, 700 Washington
St., Canton. Interment will take place in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Canton, immediately following the Mass.