Ellen E. (Mellitt) Kaake

Our family invites you to join us in celebrating Betty’s beautiful life, Thursday, January 13th during the hours of 4:00pm-7:00pm at Brandon Funeral Home, located at 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, MA. Her funeral Mass will be Friday, January 14th at 10:00am at Betty’s home church, St. Bernard Parish at St. Camillus Church, located at 333 Mechanic Street, Fitchburg MA.  There will be a burial at St. Bernard Cemetery directly following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to the American Lung Association.



It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Ellen (Betty) Kaake, 85, of Fitchburg, MA. Betty passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. A devout Catholic, Betty was attending perpetual adoration each week for many years. She was a woman of her faith, giving generously to anyone in need. Loved by all who knew her, Betty was selfless, always putting the needs of others before her own. Born and raised in Fitchburg, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Alice (Flynn) Mellitt. Betty spent many happy years living and working in Fitchburg. She worked for the Fitchburg Public Schools for over 30 years for the Athletic Department. As a former Fitchburg High Cheerleader herself (Class of 1954), she took great joy and pride in Fitchburg High Athletics. She passed on her love for the Red and Grey to her four children and six grandchildren. Betty also loved the Fighting Irish and never missed a game. She enjoyed summers in Maine for many years with her family. Betty loved the beach where she would spend time reading and watching her grandchildren play in the ocean. She built many beautiful friendships over the years during the time she spent in Old Orchard. During their retirement years she and her husband spent winters in Florida, but Betty was always eager to return to Fitchburg so that she could be surrounded by family and friends. Betty loved to laugh, and had a sharp wit throughout her life. She had an incredibly strong spirit and fought for her beliefs at every turn. Betty was the most loving and supportive wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother (GiGi), daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She leaves behind the love of her life, Richard (Dick) Kaake with whom she spent 66 amazing years. Together they created a beautiful family including their daughter Elizabeth Kaake and her husband Steve Neaz of Worcester, their son Michael Kaake and his wife Cheryl of Bedford, NH, their daughter Kathryn Murray and her husband John of Fitchburg, and their son David Kaake of Fitchburg. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren Amelia, Anthony, Benjamin, Jennifer, Kate and Joshua. Betty was blessed with three beautiful great grandchildren, Cora, Artie and Ava whom she cherished dearly and shared many special times. Betty also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, and was predeceased by her siblings Brud Mellitt, Irene Wells, Barbara Johnson, Maureen Amorosi and Bobby Mellitt.