Elinor F. (Rupp) Downey, 81, a 55-year resident of Melrose, passed away on January 17, 2024 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, and 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 will be held on Monday, January 22, 2024, from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose. Family and friends may gather for the funeral procession at 9 AM on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at the Gately Funeral Home, followed by a 10:00 AM Funeral Mass at Incarnation Church, 425 Upham St., Melrose. Interment to follow the mass at Wyoming Cemetery, 205 Sylvan St., Melrose. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers please donate to your favorite charity in her name.