Ella Anderson Mclaughlin-Liese

BARRE - Ella McLaughlin-Liese, 89, a lifetime resident of Barre, died Wednesday, July 5 ^th , 2017, at Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Home.

Ella was born an identical twin on December 2, 1927, in Barre, to immigrant Swedish parents, Ivar R. Anderson & Valburg (Jonsson) Anderson. Ella graduated from Spaulding High School, Class of 1945.

In September 1947, she married an Irish chap, Paul McLaughlin, in Barre. In 1959, they had their daughter, Paula E. McLaughlin. They made their home on Highland Avenue and in 1963 built a home on the McLaughlin family property on Trow Hill. Paul predeceased Ella, on November 30, 1976.

In October 1980, she married Charles A. Liese, in Chelsea. They remained in the home on Trow Hill until October 2006 when they moved to Westview Meadows in Montpelier. Charles predeceased Ella on February 4, 2007.

Ella’s professional career began in the granite industry in 1945 where she was the controller for EJ Batchelder, and Dernavich Granite Company. Later she joined her husband Paul at Consolidated Memorials. After the death of her husband, Ella joined National Life Insurance Company in the actuarial department, until her retirement.

Ella and her identical twin Evelyn were accomplished piano accordionists. “The Anderson Twins” performed in amateur competitions throughout New England, usually placing first. They performed regularly for the Swedish Order of Vasa, at the Barre Opera House, and Joe Zampecini’s Accordion Band. Ella continued to play her accordion into her 80’s. Ella also played the piano and enjoyed playing for her friends and family, continuing to play the piano until last year, despite her arthritis.

Ella traveled the world with her husband Charles. Her highlight of that travel was going to her parents’ homeland of Sweden twice. Ella enjoyed playing bridge, swimming (especially at Nelson Pond), skiing, eating lobster, meals on china, as well as entertaining her family and friends at her home. She was an exceptional cook!

Ella was an active member of the Barre Congregational Church, and sang in the choir for many years. She was a member of the Eastern Star.

She is survived by her only child Paula E. McLaughlin and her partner Dr. Margaret A. Smith of Woodbury Lake, VT and Newport, NH; and her late husband Charles’ three daughters, Julie Liese, Polly Liese and Anne Schell. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Betty (Jackman) Anderson of Barre, and Mona (McLaughlin) Booe of Charlotte, NC and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brothers Harold and Fritz Anderson, and her identical twin Evelyn Anderson.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, July 13, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at the Anderson-McLaughlin family lot in Hope Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Woodridge Rehabilitation and Nursing Home Activity Fund, PO Box 550, Barre, VT 05641.