Ellen J. Budnick-Gross of Melrose passed away on Thursday, February 16, 2012 at the Melrose Wakefield Hospital. She was only 55 years old. Born on March 9, 1956, in Haverhill, she was the daughter of the late Joseph & Arline (Gilbert) Budnick; she was raised in Bradford and a 1974 graduate of Haverhill High School. She later attended the Northern Essex Community College of Haverhill and graduated with an Associate's Degree in American Sign Language Interpreting in 2006. Mrs. Gross was a caterer and owned and operated "Cooks on Call" of Melrose for more than 20 years. After, she was a self-employed interpreter for 5 years. Ellen loved gardening, spending time with her family and friends, cooking with her daughter Elise and watching Jeopardy with her son Jeremy. She was the devoted wife of the late Stephan F. Gross with whom they shared 27 years of marriage. She was the loving mother of Joseph Ravgiala of Fitchburg, Elise Gross of Melrose and Jeremy Gross, also of Melrose. A private celebration of Ellen's life was held last Sunday, February 26. Arrangements by The Gately Funeral Home of Melrose. Donations in Ellen's memory may be made to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 1311 Mamaroneck Avenue, Suite 310 White Plains, NY 10605. Please visit www.gatelyfh.com to send the family a memorial condolence or a note of support.