She will be lovingly remembered and sorely missed
MELROSE — Ellen Janet (Pike) Fox, a lifelong resident of Melrose passed away peacefully on July 14 surrounded by her loving family. She was 85 years old.
Born on June 5, 1940 in Melrose, Ellen was the beloved daughter of Astrid and Freeman Pike. A proud graduate of Melrose High School, Class of 1958, Ellen was shaped early in life by the strength and sacrifice of her mother Astrid, her lifelong hero. Ellen would grow to embody that same selfless devotion as a mother, sister and grandmother.
Growing up, Ellen shared a deep and lasting bond with her brother Charles and her sister Charlotte, a connection that spanned more than 82 years. From their childhood in Melrose to summers on the Cape with their mother Astrid and countless long-distance phone calls, their relationship remained a constant source of love and support. Ellen cherished and loved them both dearly.
Ellen was a devoted homemaker and stay-at-home mom for over 20 years, raising her three sons with love, patience and unfailing commitment. Later in life, she entered the workforce and rose to become a top-producing transportation sales executive with United Van Lines, an extraordinary achievement though to Ellen, her true vocation was being a friend, daughter, sister, mom and “Grammy.” Her family and friendships were the center of her world.
Ellen raised her three sons from birth to manhood with love, patience and pride. Her bond with her son Peter, who sadly predeceased her, was especially deep and his memory lived on in her heart every day.
Ellen’s greatest joy came from being “Grammy” to her grandchildren. She cherished giving them baths as babies, cheering them on at games and recitals and watching them grow. “Grammy” was their ultimate confidante, showering them with wisdom and unconditional love. She was endlessly proud of each one of them. Her legacy of love, generosity and faith will live on in them and in all who had the privilege to know her.
Ellen was deeply rooted in the Melrose community and maintained lifelong friendships from her childhood, her neighborhood and her church to the many she made during her professional years. These relationships sustained her, especially in later life when so many friends graciously returned her kindness by supporting her when she needed it most.
Ellen’s life was anchored in faith in Jesus Christ. As a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Melrose, she served on the Church’s Nursery School Board, Chime Time Children’s Center. Her spiritual journey was deeply personal, culminating in her baptism at the age of 83, one of the proudest moments of her life. Her final words, full of grace and peace were: “I see the light, I want to go now.”
Throughout her life, as Ellen faced adversity, she responded with grace, resilience and unwavering faith. Even in her later years, as new challenges arose, she held fast to the belief that the future was bright and that the best was yet to come. Ellen imparted this wisdom generously, often mentoring young people and encouraging them with hope and strength. There are no words that can truly capture the magnitude of her loss. She will be lovingly remembered and sorely missed.
Ellen is survived by her son David and his wife Trefina of Melrose; her son James of Woburn; her cherished grandchildren Gabrielle, Andrew and Matthew, all of Melrose; her brother Charles Pike and his wife Joyce of Naples, FL; her sister Charlotte Pike of Dennis; and her daughter in-law Tamra Morris Fox of Sunrise, FL. She also leaves behind her beloved nieces Olga Pierre of South Dennis; Kim Greene of Richmond, VA; and Heather Agnello of Ashland, VA; and their families. Ellen was predeceased by her dear son Peter Fox and by her parents Astrid and Freeman Pike.
Friends and family are invited to attend visiting hours at Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose on Sunday, August 3 from 2 to 5 p.m. A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 4 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, 561 Main St., Melrose followed by interment at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ellen’s memory to the First Baptist Church of Melrose. To leave a message of condolence please visit gatelyfh.com.