Ethel M. "Guppy" Guptill

Ethel M. (Acker) ”Guppy” Guptill, a resident of North Andover and formerly a longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully after a long, hard fought and courageous battle; ultimately concluding at the High Pointe House in Haverhill on Monday, October 3, 2022, at age 95.

Ethel was born on June 23, 1927 in Medford, one of seven children of the late William R. and Mary A. (MacKenna) Acker. She was raised in Medford where she graduated from Medford High School. At the age of 18, she began a working career in the credit department at Prays Furniture in downtown Boston. On May 17, 1953, she married Armand Guptill and settled in Melrose to raise a family of two children. As a very involved and participatory mother, she enjoyed her times serving as a Brownie Leader for young girls in Melrose.

Ethel excelled in her role in the credit department and was promoted to become the Credit Manager at Barbo’s Furniture in Stoneham and later become a Loan Officer at Bay Bank in Burlington where she worked into her 70’s. As a woman born during the Great Depression, she persevered with a very strong work ethic, and was rewarded for her diligence when dutifully appointed to the position of VP Loan Officer.With a gift for gab, Ethel made several lifelong friendships and dear connections with her coworkers from Barbo’s, Bay Bank and Merrill Lynch. With her longtime friends, the Gerards of Winchester, she enjoyed trips to Stowe, Vermont. She also enjoyed vacations to California, the Grand Canyon, and Las Vegas with Armand. At home in Melrose, Ethel enjoyed being around her family, and going out to dinner, especially to Jimmy’s Restaurant and the Longhorn Steakhouse in Reading. She always kept her Scottish, German, and Prince Edward Island roots close to her heart.

Often described as the “Energizer Bunny,” Guppy was a woman of great strength and sheer will. With a vivacious spirit and gift for gab, she would converse with anyone about anything, and was well loved by everyone she encountered. Ethel will be deeply missed, but always lovingly remembered for her will, determination, and kind heart.

Ethel was the beloved wife of the late Armand E. Guptill with whom she shared 60 years of marriage. Devoted mother of Sue Guptill of Hyde Park and William E. Guptill, MD and his wife Ruth of Taunton. Dear sister of the late William M. Acker, Richard B. Acker, and Edward H. Acker. Caring aunt of Carol Lobel of FL. Also survived by her “adopted grandchildren” Cameron, Sarah, Erin, Ariana, Eric and Matthew, her longtime friends, Diane and John Ferguson of Reading, Bill Keefe of Haverhill, Janet and Tom Bucklew of TN, John Cheffro, MaryJo and Jerry Koizumis, as well as Denise Quinlen, Robin Hickey, and condo friends Dee, Bev, Charlie, and Rob.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather in honor of Guppy’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Tuesday, October 11 from 1-3pm, and again for her Funeral Service celebrated on Wednesday, Oct 12 at 10am. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose.