Ellen Joanna (Mahan) Robbins, 98, matriarch of a large and loving family, and a Natickite of Irish ancestry, died on October 16 surrounded by her loved ones.
Daughter of Joseph Mahan and Ellen Buckley Mahan, sister to Joseph Mahan, a 1938 graduate of Natick High School, and a member of The Greatest Generation, Ellen dedicated her life to community and service. She instinctively lent a hand to persons and organizations in need. During World War II, she worked for the government and was an American Red Cross Volunteer.
This passion for service continued as she was the Activities Director at the former Kathryn Barton Nursing Home in Wayland for many years. She continued this career at Mary Ann Morse Health Care Center in Natick, and after her retirement returned there as a consistent volunteer.
In addition, she was an active member of the Natick Lions Club, even collecting donations from around town well into her 90s. Ellen was named a Melvin Jones Fellow, a prestigious award recognizing her years of humanitarian services on behalf of the Lions Club International Foundation.
Her energy for serving her community was only matched by her energy for her family and friends. Ellen raised a family of six with her husband, Richard A. Robbins, Sr. She was the loving mother of her children and their spouses: Kathleen Robbins Maloblocki, her husband Greg Maloblocki of Marblehead; Richard A. Robbins, Jr., his wife Joan Robbins of Northborough; Peter Robbins, his wife Martha Curran of Harwich; John Robbins of Harwich, Martha Robbins Murray of Franklin and David Robbins, his wife Porshez Robbins of Framingham.
Gramma / Geema / Nana is also survived by her grandchildren: Brian, Patrick and Christine Maloblocki; Katherine Robbins Pollender, Elizabeth Robbins Connor, Molly and Mark Robbins, Sean Robbins and Peter and Joseph Murray. In addition, she is loved by her fourteen great-grandchildren and is a proud aunt to her many nieces and nephews.
Ellen’s greatest joy was her family - she always was up to date on the latest news of her grand and great-grandchildren. She loved catching up with her children and grabbing lunch or a conversation with her friends. Ellen’s commitment to family and service will live well beyond her life as a legacy with all those that were blessed to be a part of her incredible life.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend her Funeral on Friday, October 19th at 9:00 A.M. from the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home 4 Park Street, at Natick Common, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St Patrick’s Church, 44 East Central Street, Natick, MA 01760 at 10:00 A.M. Interment to follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 18th from 4:00-8:00 P.M. in John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street, Natick, MA 01760
Expressions of sympathy in Ellen’s name: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Natick Lions Club, 9 Lincoln Street, Natick, MA 01760.