OBITUARY: Ellen L. (Scott) Blackburn, 79

Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:

WILMINGTON, MA — Ellen L. Blackburn (Scott), 79, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2026, with her beloved daughters by her side.

Born in Wilmington, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of the late James and Cora (Cooke) Scott. She grew up in Wilmington and graduated from Wilmington High School. Ellen lived a life marked by both a sense of adventure and a deep love of home. She spent time in Virginia, Tennessee, Rhode Island, and Florida, relocating for her former husband Robert’s career with IBM, and embraced each move as an opportunity to build a home, form lasting friendships, and experience new places. No matter where life took her, she remained devoted to what mattered most—being a mother—and in time, she returned to her hometown.

She was formerly married to the late Robert E. Blackburn, and in 1987 began her journey as a single mother. She raised her two daughters with strength, resilience, and a love that never wavered while also building a career in banking as a loan officer which she enjoyed for 25 years.

Ellen was a loving mother to Lauren Reeners and her husband Greg, and Ashley Thrasher and her husband Shawn, all of Windham, New Hampshire, and a proud and devoted “Grammy” to Ella, Laikyn, Timothy, Riley, and Georgia. She never missed a moment—cheering at games, attending recitals, plays, and celebrations, enjoying family dinners, boat rides at the lake, and even prom dress shopping just before her passing. She loved being part of it all and treasured every moment with her family.

She is also survived by her loving siblings Karen Ceaser and her husband Bill of Wilmington, MA, Ann Scott of Spokane, WA, Bobby Scott and his wife Debbie of Wilmington, MA, all of whom she held dear. She was a special aunt to Debbie (Bill) MacLellan, the late Lynette Ceaser Taylor, Heather (Derek) Fullerton, and Lindsey (James) Ness, and many great-nieces and nephews.

Ellen was someone people naturally turned to—a compassionate and genuine listener who was fully present with others and made them feel truly seen and valued. Her warmth and gentle nature will remain in the hearts of those that knew her.

Her life was grounded in a quiet faith that guided her throughout her days. She is now at peace in the arms of the Lord.

She was deeply loved and will be missed beyond measure.

A celebration of Ellen’s life will be held on April 9th at 10:30am. at Trinity Evangelical Church, 105 Haverhill Street, North Reading, MA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Ellen’s memory to: Pancreatic Cancer Action Net (www.pancan.org) Or the MSPCA at Nevins Farm (www.mspca.org).