Below is an obituary from Nichols Funeral Home:
WILMINGTON, MA — Ellen A. Smith (Brown), age 89, of Wilmington, MA and Vero Beach, FL, passed away unexpectedly on May 22, 2026, at Lahey Clinic, with her loving family at her side.
Born in Woburn, MA, on March 5, 1937, Ellen was the cherished daughter of the late Fred and Edna Brown. She was one of five siblings and was raised and educated in Woburn.
On October 16, 1955, Ellen married “the love of her life and best friend,” Lester H. Smith. Together they built a beautiful life and raised their family in Wilmington, MA. Ellen took tremendous pride in her home and family. She was meticulous in everything she did, always making her home warm, welcoming, and beautiful.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Ellen found her greatest joy in time spent with family. Holidays, cookouts, family gatherings, and any opportunity to be surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were moments she treasured deeply.
In the early 1980s, Ellen and Lester retired to Vero Beach, Florida, where they embraced their new community and formed many lasting friendships. Ellen loved relaxing in the sunshine, enjoying the beach, and listening to the calming sound of the ocean waves. Her Florida home was always open to family and friends escaping the New England winters, and she delighted in entertaining a house full of loved ones. She truly was the ultimate hostess. Despite her love for Florida, Ellen faithfully returned to Massachusetts each year to spend cherished time with her family and lifelong friends.
Throughout her life, Ellen was known for her incredible work ethic. While raising her family, she worked for many years in the assembly department at Sweetheart Plastics in Wilmington. Following retirement, she assisted Lester with his pressure-washing business in Florida and lovingly cared for her granddaughters Nicole and Danielle when they were young.
Ellen will be fondly remembered for her quiet demeanor, kind heart, unwavering devotion to her family, and remarkable ability to organize and accomplish anything she set her mind to. She had an amazing smile, a wonderful sense of style, and was always beautifully put together, right down to her hair and nails. Her unconditional love for her family, friends, and beloved dog Mindy was evident in everything she did. Ellen’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Ellen was the beloved wife of Lester H. Smith; devoted mother of Mark Smith and mother-in-law to Heidi Hall Smith both of Vero Beach, FL, Cheryl Smith of Wilmington, and Scott Smith and his wife Marybeth of Wilmington. Loving “Grandma” of Mark Jr., Alyssa and her husband Troy, Nicole and her fiancé Larry, Danielle and her husband Charles, Samantha and her husband Nick, Jaclyn and her husband Tyler, Derek and his wife Danielle, and Shauna and her husband Eitan. Cherished great-grandmother of Matthew, Brooklyn, Faith, Gabriel, Savannah, Addison, Myles, Madison, Charles V, Elliana, Aria, Dante, Sutton, Brielle, and Briar.
Ellen was the dear sister of Dottie McLaughlin of Woburn and the late Fred Brown, Ruth Crowley, and Jean Bushmick. She was also the cherished sister-in-law of Douglas Smith and his wife Bonny of Wilmington, and Eleanor Smith of Scituate. Ellen is further survived by many loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
Family and friends will gather for Visitation at Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, MA, on Friday, June 5th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 12:00 noon. Interment will take place in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington, MA.
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