Ellen Asnith (Gale) Risdon

Ellen Asnith (Gale) Risdon passed away at home surrounded by her loving family and all of her beloved animals on her property. She was born in Groton on March 1, 1939, the daughter of the late William T. and Ella (Blood) Gale.

Ellen was a lifelong resident of West Groton, where she spent all of her childhood and raised her family. Ellen attended the local schools and was a graduate of Groton High School, Class of 1957.

Ellen enjoyed being in the outdoors, where she could spend time with her horses and her sheep. On the morning of her passing, three lambs had been born. Ellen was a lover of all animals and nature, however, she was not particularly fond of snakes.


Ellen enjoyed the rigors of farming, cooking for her family, and sitting by the pool and enjoying the sun. Ellen and her husband often took trips to Florida, where they would spend time with one another, go swimming, and take pleasure in the warm Florida climate.

Ellen is survived by her beloved husband of 61 years, Jack Risdon. She was the loving mother of three daughters, Kelly Ann Risdon and partner James Barrett, and Gale Smith, of West Groton, and Holly V. Bailey and her husband Scott, of Rockwood, Maine. Ellen was the loving grandmother of Alyssa and Courtney Stephanson, David Bailey, and the great-grandmother of Isla Henderson.

Risdon of West Groton, March 29, 2018. Ellen A. (Gale) Risdon. A Graveside Service will be held at a later date in Groton Cemetery. For those who wish, contributions may be made in her memory to the Christian Union Church P.O. Box 223 West Groton, MA 01472.  Arrangements by the McGaffigan Family Funeral Home 37 Main St. (Rte. 113) Pepperell, MA. Please see www.mcgaffiganfuneral.com