Eleanor M. (Roach) Kane

Eleanor M. (Roach) Kane, “Ellie”, age 83, of Wilmington, passed away on October 26, 2022.

Ellie was born on May 16, 1939, in Somerville, MA; she was the daughter of the late George A. and Mary I. (Hart) Roach.  Ellie was raised in Stoneham and graduated from St. Patrick’s High School.

Following graduation, Ellie went to work for Malden Hospital; she attended the hospital’s nursing program and earned her certificate as a Registered Nurse.  Ellie was devoted to her patients; she was kind and caring to everyone.  After a wonderful thirty-year career, Ellie retired.

Ellie married her husband, Matthew Kane, on September 9, 1961.  The couple moved to Wilmington in 1967, where they raised their four children, Allie, Dan, Chris, and Ryan.  Ellie was a dedicated mother; she loved her children unconditionally and was there to help with anything they needed. Ellie’s family was everything to her; when her children married, she welcomed Joe, Lori, Stephanie and Sarah with open arms and treated them as if they were her own.

Ellie was delighted to become a “Nana”; she made her new title a second career; often taking the grandchildren so their parents could work.  She often invited the kids’ friends over to go swimming and play.  Ellie also started a play group for the grandchildren at St. Thomas Church on Tuesdays so they could play with the other children in the town.  She made many wonderful memories with her grandchildren that will treasure forever.

Ellie’s home was open to everyone; she loved to entertain her family and friends.  Holidays were special to Ellie; she often hosted family holidays and special dinners. The Fourth of July was Ellie’s favorite time of year; she wore red, white, and blue for the whole week.  She also enjoyed the events on the common and hosting pool parties at her house for all.

Ellie enjoyed being involved in the community; she belonged to the Women’s Club of Wilmington.  As part of her work with the Women's club, she organized and ran the the annual Women's Club scholarship.  She also helped to organize community craft fairs and attend the social gatherings of the club.  She made many friendships with the ladies in the community.

In her spare time, Ellie enjoyed doing crafts, sewing, and crocheting.  She also loved to cook and bake.  Ellie and her family spent summers at their cottage in Chase's Grove on Big Island Pond. She and Matt used to coordinate their schedules and commute from Derry, NH so their kids could spend the whole summer up there. They spent their time swimming, fishing, canoeing (Ellie used to pack a bag lunch and they would paddle to the middle of the lake to eat),  biking, jet skiing and generally relaxing.   

Ellie will be remembered as a true lady; she was full of love and kindness.  She will also be remembered for her dedication to her family.  Ellie was their foundation, and they could always count on her for guidance and advice.   She will be missed by all.

Ellie was the beloved wife of Matthew J. Kane, Jr., devoted mother of the late Allison LoGrasso & her husband Joseph of NH, Daniel Kane & his wife Lori of Wilmington, Christopher Kane & his wife Stephanie of Nashua and Ryan Kane & his wife Sarah of Topsfield, loving “Nana” of Bethany, Nolan, Annabelle, Marissa, Nathan, Joshua, Gwyneth and Skylar, daughter of the late George A. and Mary I. (Hart) Roach, dear sister of the late Edward Roach & his wife Joyce of St. Charles, MO and the late James Roach, sister-in-law of Maureen Roach and the late Sally Roach.  Ellie is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Friday, November 4th at 9:00 a.m.immediately followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, 126 Middlesex Ave., Wilmington at 10:00 a.m.  Interment to follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington.  Visiting hours will be held at the Funeral Home on Thursday, November 3rd from 4:00-8:00 p.m.