Mary Ellen Molinaro
November 16, 1949 – December 6, 2024
Mary Ellen Molinaro, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 6th after a brief battle with cancer.
Born at Lawrence General Hospital on November 16, 1949, Mary Ellen was the cherished daughter of Francis Timothy Reardon and Helen Winifred Nangle. She grew up in Andover, Massachusetts, alongside her beloved brother Bernard, where her childhood was filled with the joy of close-knit family gatherings and friendships. She graduated from Andover High School before attending Merrimack College in North Andover, where she met Vincent Molinaro, the love of her life. They shared over 50 years of marriage, a partnership rooted in love and laughter.
Mary Ellen built a nearly 40-year career at Liberty Mutual Insurance, where she rose to become a respected leader in the New England regional service organization. Known for her dedication, kindness, and strong work ethic, she formed enduring friendships with her colleagues that lasted long after her retirement.
In 1975, Mary Ellen welcomed her only son, Erik, who remained the pride of her life. She delighted in summers spent by her parents’ pool, with Erik, Vince, and her extended family. Family trips, both near and far, created memories that she cherished deeply.
After her retirement, Mary Ellen and Vince found joy in traveling together, whether for walks along the beaches of Hampton, NH, or cherished annual family trips to Puerto Rico with Erik, her daughter-in-law, Jessica, and her grandson, Elliott. As a grandmother, Mary Ellen’s love for Elliott knew no bounds—she adored doting on him, sharing stories, and creating moments of pure joy.
Mary Ellen’s life was woven with the love of her extended family. Her fondest memories often centered on the bonds she shared with her brother and her many cousins in the Nangle and Reardon families. These relationships were the foundation of her life, and she remained close to her cousins throughout the years, treasuring their shared stories and laughter.
Her generosity of spirit extended to her community as well, as she found joy in volunteering and helping others. Whether planning family gatherings or traveling with loved ones, Mary Ellen approached life with warmth, grace, and a deep care for those around her.
Mary Ellen is survived by her loving husband, Vincent Molinaro of Methuen; her son, Erik Molinaro, and daughter-in-law, Jessica Molinaro; and her treasured grandson, Elliott Molinaro, all of Winchester, MA. She also leaves behind her dear nephews, Sean Reardon (Dawn) of Lawrence, MA, and Neal Reardon (Nancy) of Rutland, MA; her nieces, Meaghan Choate (David) of Pelham, NH, and Keara Sem of Lawrence, MA; and countless cousins, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Each of them will remember her warm smile, generous heart, and unwavering devotion to her family.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Mary Ellen’s life. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, December 13, 2024, from 4 PM to 7 PM at Burke-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 390 N. Main St., Andover, MA. A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church, 118 S. Broadway, Lawrence, MA, on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 9 AM. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, Mary Ellen requested that donations be made to Cradles to Crayons at www.cradlestocrayons.org/boston/maryellenmolinaro. For additional information, please visit, www.burkemagliozzi.com.