Ellen H. MacLean, a gifted educator and longtime resident of Newton Centre, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Thursday, December 4, 2025 after a prolonged battle with cancer.  Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy M. (Ostro) Klein and Edward I. Klein.  She is survived by her loving husband of 57 years, John D. MacLean, of Newton, Massachusetts, their daughters: Alison N. MacLean of Los Angeles, CA, and Jillian R. MacLean of Acton, Massachusetts, and her grandson, Griffin Dembkoski and granddaughter, Ava Dembkoski.

Ellen H. Klein was born in Brookline MA, in 1945, and was raised in West Roxbury, MA.  She attended the Patrick Lyndon Elementary School and graduated from Boston Latin School. Ellen earned Bachelor of Arts from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a Masters of Education in special education from Lesley University.

Ellen began her career as an elementary teacher at the Thomas Hart Elementary School in South Boston and the Josiah Quincy Elementary School in Boston's South End.  She served as a special education teacher in The Public Schools of Brookline and the North Reading Public Schools.

Ellen lived a life defined by curiosity, love and generosity.  She was an avid reader and writer.  She loved to travel.  Ellen enjoyed cooking and entertaining.  She especially took great pleasure in spending time with her family, friends and pets.  She was particularly devoted to her daughters and grandchildren.