JoEllen Plato, 57, died September 21, 2011 unexpectedly at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. Born March 1, 1954 in Palmer to Joseph E. Plato and the late Jeanne A.(Levesque) Plato, she has been a lifelong resident of Monson. She was a graduate of Monson High School and received her BA degree from Fitchburg State College. JoEllen worked for many years as a service coordinator for the Department of Developmental Services, in Monson and throughout the region. Her passion for helping people less fortunate than herself was reflected daily in her private and professional life. She loved being near the ocean. The time that she spent camping at the National Seashore on Cape Cod and the friendships that grew from that experience brought immeasurable happiness to her life. JoEllen also had a love of gardening. JoEllen leaves her life partner David Pouliot of Brimfield and their dog Morgan; her father Joseph E. Plato of Monson; a brother, James Plato and his wife Carol of Concord, NH; sisters, Jean Bailey and her husband Ken of Monson, Kathy Campbell of Monson and Margaret Plato of Chicopee; a niece, Janine Campbell of CA; and nephews, Derek Campbell of Monson and James Eric Plato of OR and many friends. JoEllen was predeceased by her mother Jeanne Plato in 2004. Services will be held Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at Lombard Funeral Home in Monson. Family will receive friends beginning at 9am. A funeral service will follow at 10am at the funeral home with burial to follow at Bethany Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Street Angel Volunteers C/O first Church of Monson 5 High Street Monson, MA 01057. For on-line condolences and or directions please visit lombardfuneralhome.com.
Published in The Republican from September 24 to September 25, 2011