Elsie M. "Sarkisian" Masterson

Elsie Masterson ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Bellows Funerals & Cremations on Mar. 10, 2026.Cumberland - Elsie M. (Sarkisian) Masterson, 89, of Cumberland passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026.Born in Providence, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Maryann (Ouzoonian) Sarkisian. She grew up in Pawtucket and was a graduate of Pawtucket East High School. While there, she was the editor of her class yearbook and a cheerleading captain. She always remained close with many of her high school classmates, serving on reunion planning committees throughout the years.Elsie would have her own family and launch her career in Pawtucket before eventually relocating to Cumberland. She raised her three children while working part-time and earning a Bachelor's Degree in Education from the University of Rhode Island. She then earned a Master's Degree in Education and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study from Rhode Island College.She worked for thirty-two years at William E. Tolman High School, Pawtucket first as an English Teacher and later as a Guidance Counselor. She was dedicated to her students, helping advise student clubs and also assisting many with the college admissions process. Following her retirement, she was active with the Blackstone Valley Garden Club and Cumberland Garden Club.She is survived by her daughter, Karen Masterson Palagi of Cumberland; her son, Scott Masterson of Orange County, California; her sister, LouAnn Hewitt of Maryland; her grandson, Andrew "Drew" Palagi of Upton, Massachusetts; and her niece Kim Hewitt, Ph.D. of Vermont. She was the mother of the late Cheryl A. Masterson, Esq., and the sister of the late Barbara Dufresne and Harry Sarkisian, Jr.Her funeral and burial will be private. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory to the National MS Society, P.O. Box 91891, Washington, D.C. 20090-1891 or the American Cancer Society, PO Box 7312, Warwick, RI 02887 would be appreciated. To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements with Bellows Funeral Chapel, 160 River Road, Lincoln.To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elsie M. (Sarkisian) Masterson, please visit our floral store.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.