Pat Ellis, Head of School 1972 to 1992

Remembering Pat Ellis

We are sad to share the news that Patricia Ann “Pat” Ellis, Director of Nashoba Brooks School from 1972 to 1992, passed away on Tuesday, March 28. 
Pat drew on her experience as an independent school graduate, a Wellesley woman, and an educator to inform decisions that continue to have a direct and meaningful impact on the work we do at Nashoba Brooks every day. She oversaw the merger of The Brooks School of Concord and Nashoba Country Day School. She was an early supporter of initiatives, including our partnership with Chewonki, interscholastic athletics, diversity and inclusivity, and competitive employee compensation.

In 1987-1988, the Board established the annual Ellis Lecture in honor of her first 15 years of leadership. The Ellis Lectures, which continue to this day, were intended to “broaden our thinking and stimulate curiosity.” It is fitting that we gathered yesterday for our annual Ellis Lecture. Trustee Charlotte Whitmore and her client Eugene Gilyard captivated current employees, trustees, and friends of the School as they shared Eugene’s story. Represented by Charlotte, Eugene was the first person to be exonerated through the work of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project after serving 15 years of wrongful imprisonment for a crime he did not commit. As we listened and learned together, we all wished that Pat could have been with us. This topic is one that we know would have resonated with her as a champion for civil rights.

Pat will be remembered for her advocacy for teachers and dedication to social justice, as well as her strength, keen intellect, wry sense of humor, and commitment to providing outstanding educational opportunities for girls and women. Joan McCarthy and I had the opportunity to visit with Pat last week. Even as she was nearing the end of her life, Pat was attuned to the rhythms of the academic year and very much interested in the latest happenings at School—teachers, curriculum, athletics, placement, and the daily lives of students were at the forefront of her mind. Her courage and humor were both notably Pat and remarkably inspiring. We are deeply grateful to Pat for the leadership and vision that established the strong foundation on which we continue to build. We will miss her.
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200 Strawberry Hill Road
Concord, MA 01742
Phone: 978-369-4591
Email: info@nashobabrooks.org
Situated on a beautiful 30-acre campus in historic Concord, Massachusetts, Nashoba Brooks School enrolls all genders in Preschool through Grade 3, and students identifying as girls in Grades 4 through 8. Nashoba Brooks is an independent school designed to build community, character, and confidence in its students.
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