Eleanor "Ellie" May (Gardner) Cleary

Eleanor May Cleary (Ellie) 1931-2024 Cleary, Eleanor May (Gardner), age 92, of Cambridge, MA formerly a long-time resident of Wilmington, MA passed away on January 12, 2024.

Eleanor was the beloved wife of the late Kenneth John Cleary, devoted mother of Kenneth J. Cleary & his wife Joanne of Cambridge, Jeanne E. Cleary and her partner John Wooding of Medford, and John G. Cleary & his wife Kathy of Southport, North Carolina, loving grandmother of Kenneth J. Cleary II & his wife Sarah, James A. Cleary & his wife Carol, Sean A. Cleary & his wife Elysse, Robert S. Cleary & his wife Deborah, Nathan C. Greess, Matthew Cleary & his wife Caitlin, Krista J. Cleary-Arel & her husband Matt, and Tucker Cleary. Great grandmother to Thomas, Peter, Charlie, Paul, Grace, Katie, Andrew, Leon, Robbie, Benicio, Kenny, Quinn, Alexandra, Charlotte, Jaxson, and Myles, treasured aunt to many beloved nieces and nephews.

Ellie graduated from The Cambridge Latin School in 1949. She provided bookkeeping, accounting, and financial services for several small and medium companies. Whether it be at work, at the church, or planning a family reunion, Ellie was known for her detailed planning and just plain getting things done. Ellie was an active member of the Wilmington United Methodist Church, singing in the choir, leading and serving on committees. She truly cherished her time as a youth counselor in the MYF.

She met the love of her life Ken in the 7th grade at a church dance. After high school they married and spent their lives together with family always at the center. Ellie and Ken were married for 67 years, and their mutual devotion was unparalleled. Through their retirement years, they traveled to all 50 states, 49 of them in their RV, making dear friends all along the way. Ken and Ellie were inseparable in life and are now reunited in their passing.

Children were precious to her, and nothing delighted her more than hugging her grand and great-grandchildren. Ellie was an ever-present supporter at her kids and grandkids’ activities. She was an avid knitter, creating sweaters for family and children of all ages. Ellie loved hosting family holidays, especially Thanksgiving - the more the merrier at her table. Later in life, she also enjoyed painting and writing. She will be deeply missed.

There will be a graveside ceremony for Eleanor on April11th at 2pm at Wildwood Cemetery, 233 Middlesex Ave., in Wilmington, Massachusetts. All are welcome. Following, there will be a Celebration of Life for both Ellie and Ken (who passed in 2020) at Tremezzo Ristorante in Wilmington, Massachusetts.

In memory of Eleanor Cleary, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association online through act.alz.org. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the Nichols Funeral Home, Wilmington, Massachusetts.  To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website at www.nicholsfuneralhome.com