Mary Ellen Ross

Mary Ellen Ross, 84, of Hopkinton and a former longtime resident of Franklin, passed away peacefully Jan. 13 at Golden Pond Assisted Living, following an illness. She was the beloved wife of the late Charles A. Ross, who died in 2016.

She was born in Somerville on March 24, 1939, daughter of the late Cyril J. Lanigan and Katherine (Kierce) Lanigan.

She was raised and educated in Arlington, a graduate of Matignon High School in Cambridge and Framingham State Teachers College.

She moved in 1964 to Franklin, where she raised four loving children, Charles A Ross Jr. of Franklin, Stephen J. Ross of South Boston, Robert J. Ross and wife Nancy of Bridgewater, and Heather A. Cote and husband Thomas of Franklin.

Mary Ellen taught at East Braintree High School before she was married and the year after. She was home raising her children for 14 years before she returned to teaching. She became a permanent substitute teacher for the Franklin school system. She taught everything from gym to music to math. She participated in the committee that worked to expand kindergarten in Franklin to full day. Before retiring to care for her grandchildren, she was a longtime teller for Baybank in Walpole.

She and her husband loved day trips. They often could be found antiquing down the Cape on Sundays and enjoying the view and sunset at the Chart Room in Cataumet. They loved cooking together, writing down recipes and enjoying restaurants in the area. There were many memories at the Lafayette House in Foxboro for a cocktail after he picked her up from the bank on Saturday afternoons.

She was a wonderful mother who opened her home to many of her children’s friends when needed. It was not a big home, but large in the way of love. Some stayed for weeks at a time or more than once throughout the years. Often times she was referred to as Mrs. Claus.

In addition to her children, she is survived by her three beautiful grandchildren, Ryan and Lauren Cote and Ethan Ross, her two sisters, Jane Nolan of Billerica and Elizabeth Lanigan of Arlington, and many loving nieces and nephews.

She also was the sister of the late Shirley McHugh, Carol Tassinari and Cyril Lanigan.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Friday Jan. 19, at 9 a.m. from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home, 33 Cottage Street, followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, 1 Church Square, Franklin, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.

Calling hours are Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Donations in her memory may be made to the Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901.

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