Charlene L. (Ellis) Mackey of Medford passed away peacefully at home on August 27th, 2024. She was the beloved wife for 62 years of the late George E. Mackey, Sr. Devoted mother of Charles Mackey of Billerica, the late George Mackey, Jr., and Judi Mackey of Billerica. She was predeceased by her parents, Charles Ellis, Sr. and Stella (Hedly) Ellis, as well as her brothers, Charles Ellis, Jr., and Arthur Ellis. She is also survived by her granddaughter Jessie Donovan and her father Barry Donovan both of Medford, granddaughter Olivia Mackey, grandson Cole Mackey, and their mother Rhonda Mackey, of Woburn.
Charlene grew up in Somerville and moved to Medford at the age of 19 when she married the love of her life, George. They spent 62 years raising their family in the same home in Medford. They also spent many memorable summers in Portsmouth, Rhode Island at their vacation home. Her second love of her life though, was with her first granddaughter Jessie. They were inseparable and the bond they had was so beautiful to watch.
Charlene was a fighter. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996 and won her battle so swiftly. She was also diagnosed with lung cancer in 2019 and fought harder than ever. She knew what it meant to truly have a will to live and to never give up. The family would like to send a special thank you to Dr. Pennacchio and his team at Tufts Medicine Cancer Center in Stoneham. Words cannot express our appreciation for all of your support and care during both illnesses.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, September 5th, 2024 from 4-7PM at the Breslin Funeral Home, 610 Pleasant Street, Malden, MA 02148. Internment will be on Friday, September 6th, 2024 at 11AM at Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Charlene’s name to the American Cancer Society.