Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Ellen C. (Hamilton) Rankin, age 67, of Wilmington, formerly a long-time resident of Wakefield and Charlestown, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2024, with her loving family at her side.
Ellen was born on July 8, 1956, in Cambridge, MA; she was the cherished daughter of the late Mary (Dennehy) Tipping Hamilton. Ellen was raised and educated in Charlestown, MA, and was a graduate of Charlestown High School. Ellen made many life-long friends in Charlestown; she carried her “Townie” pride wherever she went and never forgot her Charlestown roots.
Ellen married her “sweetheart” John Rankin in 1981; the couple made their home in Wakefield, MA, where they raised a beautiful family. Ellen showered her family with unconditional love and devotion; they were her world. She raised five children and opened her home and her heart to over forty foster children throughout the years. Ellen treated everyone as “her own”; she made her foster children feel welcomed, safe, and most importantly loved. Ellen was a wonderful mother to all; she was always there to lend a hand, help with homework or any other project the kids were involved in, she encouraged them to do their best, and follow their dreams.
Ellen looked forward to yearly summer vacations at Hampton Beach in New Hampshire; she enjoyed sitting on the beach playing in the sand with the kids.
Ellen looked forward to family holidays with Christmas being her all-time favorite; she took pleasure in decorating the house, spoiling her children and watching the excitement as they all waited for Santa to arrive. Ellen also enjoyed taking time to relax and watch the Hallmark Christmas movie channel.
Ellen’s role as daughter, sister, wife, mother, and aunt were all very important to her but when she became a “Mimi” to her grandchildren her world became even brighter; they were her pride and joy. Ellen treasured the time she spent with her grandchildren, cuddling, spoiling, laughing, just having fun with the kids, and of course giving them their chocolate treats.
Ellen will be fondly remembered as a very special lady who had a beautiful soul and a heart of gold. She was kind, caring, giving, generous, and loyal to everyone she met. Ellen was a great mentor and a true friend who will forever be missed by all who knew and loved her.
Ellen was the beloved wife of John W. Rankin, devoted mother of Karen Toskic and her husband Emir of Billerica, Caitlin Rankin of Wilmington, Johnny Rankin and his wife Julie of Billerica, Jared Rankin and his fiancé Emily Rodda of Reading, and Seanna Rankin of Wilmington. She was the loving “Mimi” of Lorenzo, Brielle, Lyndon, Charlie, Riley, Owen, Gavin, and Madison. Dear sister of Patricia Gallagher of Winthrop, Catherine Hughes of Wakefield, the late Francis Tipping Jr., the late M. Denise Kelly, and the late Anne Marie Tipping. Ellen is further survived by many special brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends.
Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 38), Wilmington, MA, on Tuesday, June 18th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Dorothy’s Church, Main St. (Rte. 38), Wilmington, MA, at 10:30 a.m. Interment will take place in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA. Visiting Hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday, June 17th, from 4:00-7:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ellen’s memory may be made to Evergreen Community Services, 37 Broadway, Suite 4, Arlington MA 02474.
To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com.
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