When Joan Tavares-Avant was a senior at Lawrence High School in Falmouth in 1957, her teacher told her to not bother going to college. Sixty-four years later, Ms. Tavares-Avant, a
Ellen Marie (Edwards) Hendricks of Mashpee died May 19, in her home, at the age of 95.
She and her husband, Elmer Hendricks Sr., raised their three childrenâCarlton, Elmer (Butch) and Janeâin their home built by her father, Cyrus Edwards.
Born and raised in Mashpee, Ms. Hendricks had a deep love and devotion to the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and for her faith. To her nieces and nephews, she was known as Aunt Dart because she was always darting around to be present for anyone who needed help or guidance.
Besides taking care of her family or anyone in need, she still found time to work outside the home; she did house-cleaning and drove children with special needs to school. Her passion was working at the Mashpee Wampanoag Museum as a tribal historian. She loved to share her history and knowledge with her tribal members and family.