Mary Ellen Lindsay

Mary Ellen (Brooks) Lindsay, age 77, died October 8th, 2020 in her home in Bennington, NH.
She was born on February 19th, 1943 in Springfield Vermont. Daughter to Harold Robertson and Helen (Brooks) Cass. Raised by Edward and Helen Cass. She was the wife of William Herbert Lindsay.
Mary Ellen's family moved around a lot when she was a child. Living in Jaffrey, Harrisville, Hillsboro, Antrim and settling down in Bennington around 1956. She went to Peterborough Highschool later transferring to Hillsboro Highschool graduating in 1961. As a young girl her mother worked nights, so Mary Ellen was responsible for her two younger brothers. She fed them and met them at the school bus. She and her brothers sold blueberries that they picked on Crotched mountain, eggs from their chickens, and gladiolas from their home in Bennington. Mary babysat many local kids in town. She also cleaned houses as a young woman.
She married William (Bill) Lindsay on January 20th, 1962. They rented an apartment above the, then, Bennington post office. Living on Main Street she said everyone heard everyone's business. Her husband's family had a strong Main Street presence with Bill's Aunt, Anne Lindsay, working below at the post office and Charlie Lindsay, her father in law, owning the Bennington Garage.
After the birth of Robin Lindsay in 1962 they purchased land on Old Greenfield road in Bennington and together built there home. Moving in, in 1965 after their second daughter, Bobbi Jane Lindsay, was born. Later Mary Ellen became a volunteer at the Bennington Library in the early 70's. She worked there until 1977. Remembered by many for her kindness, helpfulness, and beauty. Special ordering books from the book mobile and reading to the elementary school kids.
Mary Ellen also managed Jacksons store in Antrim for her favorite Aunt (Polly) Pauline Jackson. When the Jacksons went to Florida, she worked nights at the store and managed the laundromat and apartments while they were gone.
In 1977 she went to work at Brookstone working in the shipping department. She loved this job. Lifting boxes all day, then in 1983 lifting weights after work at Rick Nicks in Peterborough. She and her husband purchased the Balch house in the late 70's. Having some of their best times working together to restore it to its original historical beauty. Mary Ellen always had a garden and loved to fish. When Bill would bring home some animal he hunted, she would dress and clean it and cook it for supper.
At age 56 she sold three of her properties and moved to Morristown Tennessee in 1999. Later moving to Tullahoma Tennessee. Spending summers at the family camp in Pittsburg NH to escape the Tennessee heat. In Tennessee Mary Ellen worked for Harveys Gym as a body builder/trainer for 10 years. She helped care for her Sister in law Pat Brooks in 2010.
Mary Ellen had a love for reading and books. Encouraging her daughter Robin to be a writer at a young age. She was a multimedia artist, a wood carver, and the only woman member of the Tennessee woodworkers. Accumulating many great tools from her years at Brookstone, she created 3D and relief carvings. Showing both at local craft shows. With a love for sewing, embroidery, and beadwork, she made clothes, quilts and curtains for her children and grandchildren. Later, selling both her sewing and beadwork on commission. In retirement she enjoyed line dancing every weekend at the senior center in Tullahoma. She took painting classes and started painting on canvas and walls in her home.
Mary Ellen went to the Antrim Baptist church as a child. She studied Christian Science while raising her children. Later she joined the Highland Baptist church in Tennessee. When she moved back to Bennington, NH in April of 2016 she joined the Bennington Congregational church.
Since moving back in 2016, she worked as a volunteer at the Bennington Historical Society. Helping choose the design for the new gazebo in town. Also painting many of the historical sites in Bennington. She and her brother David worked hard insulating her new home and using their collective masonry skills to create a beautiful rock wall. They also enjoyed clamming at the seacoast. Like her mother, she hosted Friday nights. Preparing home cooked meals and fresh bread for her family every Friday night.
Mary Ellen was predeceased by her son John Herbert Lindsay and her grandson Bill Hall. Her sisters in law Pat Brooks and Joan Anne (Lindsay) Olson.
She is survived by her two daughters Robin Lindsay of Jaffrey, NH, and Bobbi Lindsay of Francestown, NH and her husband Wayne Thompson.
Grandchildren, John Hall of Kirby, Oregon, Andrew Thayer of Stoddard, NH, Sarah Thayer of Mount Vernon, NH, and Amber and Olivia Thompson of Francestown, NH.
Brothers David Brooks and his wife Betty Coffin Brooks of Bennington, NH. Rodger Brooks of Bennington, NH. Jonathan Hart of Mt. Airy, North Carolina.
Nieces Rebecca Brooks of Daytona Beach Florida, Heidi Brooks of Bennington, NH, Jennifer Hart of Pen Argyl Pennsylvania, Jessica Brooks of New Durham, NH.
Nephews Dave Brooks and wife Vicki Brooks of El Cajon, California, Rodger Brooks Junior of Bedford, NH, Jason Brooks, and wife Michelle Brooks of Weare, NH and Lindsay Paul Smith and wife Laura Smith of Kennebunk, Maine. Also, Sugar & Pepper. Also, by her great Aunt CC Brooks of Peterborough, NH.
No formal services will be held at this time. Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Mary Ellen's memory to your local animal shelter.
To view Mary Ellen's Online Tribute, send condolences to the family, or for more information, visit www.csnh.com.