Ellena Bernadette (Giangrande) Marra, 99, of Medford, MA, loving wife of the late Demetrio L. Marra, died peacefully on Thursday, January 27, 2022. The daughter of the late Giovanni B. Giangrande and Cecilia (Muollo) Giangrande, she was born and educated in Boston, Massachusetts. She lived in Medford for over 50 years and was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Ellena was a beacon of light and love to all who knew her. Family was the center of her life and she was renowned for graciously welcoming relatives and friends around her table. She inspired others with her 4 mile a day walks (well into her 90’s), her weekly public transportation trips into Boston, (including visits to St. Anthony’s shrine), her beautifully written notes and cards, her engaging sense of presence, her generosity to all, particularly those in need, her strong faith, her words of wisdom, and messages of love.
After 99 healthy, independent years, she was cared for in her last weeks by the staff at Marguerite’s House and Mary Immaculate Health Care of Lawrence, MA and Constellations Hospice Team.
Ellena will be dearly missed by her children, Josephine Marra of North Reading, MA; Mary Marra and Peg Duddy of Wells, ME; Sharon and Brian Campbell of Dracut, MA; and Beverly Marra Conrad of Wakefield, MA. She is also survived by her loving sister, Rita Ferullo of Medford; grandchildren, Joseph Campbell of Lowell; Matthew and Sandra Campbell of Peabody; Kathleen Campbell and Nolan McKinnon of Lowell; great grandchildren, Ava, James, Cillian, Saoirse and Emma; as well as step-grandchildren, Abby and Barrett Conrad, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. In addition to her husband Demetrio, Ellena was predeceased by siblings Matilda DeStefanis, Frank Giangrande, Mary Bova, Alfred Giangrande and Julia Marra; and her late son-in-law Andrew J. Conrad.
Due to Covid, the funeral mass and burial will be private. Arrangements were made by Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home, Medford MA. A celebration of Ellena’s life will take place on June 21, 2022, at a time and place to be announced, to which all are welcome. Donations in Ellena’s name may be made to Donations in Ellena’s name may be made to the Giangrande Family Scholarship Fund - PO Box 775 - Medford MA 02155 or by clicking on this secure on-line link, https://gfscholarship.wordpress.com.