Obituary of Mary Ellen Strachan

Mary Ellen Strachan, leaves a legacy of Faith and Family. Mary Ellen Strachan passed away at Saint Patrick’s Manor in Framingham after a long illness on Tuesday morning, February 2, 2010. She was 88 years old. She was born in San Francisco, CA the daughter of Irish immigrants, the late Dennis and Nora McCarthy. She grew up and was educated in San Francisco. Her brother Jim serving in the Navy during WW II brought a shipmate, Howard Strachan to a CYO dance in San Francisco. Mary Ellen and Howard fell in love and were married on June 30, 1945. They lived in Everett for 12 years before settling in Burlington to raise their family which grew to 10 children. Mary Ellen was always a mother first. She lovingly raised her children and supported them in all their sports, activities, interests, and life’s challenges. She was a wonderful role model to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She exemplified motherhood, Catholic faith, and placing her family needs above her own. She touched all of her family and her moral fiber and character is instilled in the hearts of all her family. Her legacy is her family. Once her children became more independent and she was able to devote time to activities outside the home. She was a teacher’s aide at the Memorial School for a number of years. She had helped her son-in-law at Jarvis Catering. She was a very active parishioner of Saint Margaret’s Church. She had a strong devotion to the Blessed Mother. She was a member of the Catholic Daughters. She was proud of her Irish heritage. She was a fan for all her children’s activities and sports. She particularly enjoyed football. She enjoyed keeping up with local and national politics and often worked the Polls during the elections for the Town Clerks Office. She enjoyed reading and crocheting. She endured camping for the sake of her family. She enjoyed Bingo nights with her friends. She loved family gatherings and the holidays. Mary Ellen was the Beloved wife of the late Howard E. Strachan. She was the loving mother of Howie & his wife Beverly of Burlington, Rita Jarvis & her husband Ed of Pepperell, Noreen Tanglis & her husband Paul of N. Andover, Denise Smith & her husband Bruce of Londonderry, NH, Fran of Mill Valley, CA, Mary Ellen Colameta & her husband Ray of Lowell, Joe & his wife Dale of Bedford, Dan & his wife Barbara of Medway, Brian & his wife Aleece of Wellesley, and Steve & his wife Deb of Moorsville, NC. She was the sister of Al McCarthy of San Francisco, CA, the late Jim McCarthy, and Rita Carella. She was also survived by 31 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. Funeral from the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington, on Saturday, February 6 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Friday 4-8 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. Memorials in Mary Ellen’s name may be made to St. Margaret’s Parish Building Fund, 111 Winn St., Burlington, MA 01803 and People Helping People, P.O. Box 343, Burlington, MA 01803.