Avid reader, world traveler and loyal Boston sports fan
MELROSE — Elinor F. (Rupp) Downey, 81, a 55-year resident of Melrose, passed away on January 17 surrounded and cared for by her daughter Christine, son-in-law Doug and grandson Logan after a brief but valiant battle with cancer.
Elinor (Ellie) was the loving wife of the late Paul J. Downey. The beloved mother to Christine Fowler, her husband, Douglas and the loving grandmother to Logan Fowler all of North Billerica. She was the mother to the late Patrick K. Downey, grandmother to Taylor Labombard and great grandmother to Nevaeh and Aria, all of Wakefield. Elinor was proceeded in death by her parents, Alfred and Helen (Quill) Rupp; her sister, Lois (Rupp) Dillon; and her brother Peter Rupp.
Elinor grew up in Revere and graduated from Revere high school where she went on to get her Bachelor of Education from Boston College and her Master’s Degree at Salem State. Elinor’s career began as a teacher in the Revere and Everett public school systems. She then switched careers later in life and went on to work for HUD until her retirement.
She was an avid reader, a world traveler, a fiercely loyal Boston sports fan and a lover of a glass of house Chardonnay. Ellie was extremely active as a BC alumni and a faithful servant of God. Her faith was so strong. She was the matriarch of her family and made sure that they all made time in each other busy lives for one another. She was a friend to all.
Visiting hours were held on Monday, January 22 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. Family and friends gathered for the funeral procession at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23 at the Gately Funeral Home, followed by a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at Incarnation Church, 425 Upham St., Melrose. Interment followed the mass at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose. Relatives and friends were respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations were made to your favorite charity in her name. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit gatelyfh.com.