Framingham, MA – Ellen (Willis) Gavin, 81, of Framingham, MA passed away on May 19, 2024, after a period of declining health. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert F. Gavin Sr. who died in 2017.

Ellen was born and raised in Boston, MA, daughter of the late Arthur and Christine (Visco) Willis. Ellen worked for many years at The TJX Companies, Inc. (Zayre) until retiring in 1989.

Ellen cherished spending time with her stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She especially loved Sundays at the pool in Ashland, the kids spending weekends at the Cape, and the 'grown-up' grandkids visiting in Florida.

Ellen is the stepmother of the late Robert Gavin Jr. and is survived by her stepchildren Lynda Jariabko and her husband Mark, David Gavin and his wife Brenda, Deborah Gavin, her former son-in-law Ed Citro, and Bob Gavin Jr.'s life partner Kathy McSweeney. Ellen is survived by her grandchildren Danielle Wetmore and her husband Matthew, David Gavin Jr. and his wife Laura, Stephanie Gavin, Katie Gavin, Andrew Gavin and his wife Chelsey, Kelly Gavin, George Gavin, Joseph Jariabko and his wife Amanda and her great grand-children Hailey Gavin, Bo Gavin, Molly Gavin, Riley Mayer-Toupin, Austin Jariabko and Charlotte Jariabko.

Ellen is the sister of the late Jean Keough, Donald, Paul, and Edward Willis. Many nieces and nephews also survive Ellen.

Ellen leaves behind many cherished friends in Stuart and Hobe Sound, FL including Elaine, Donna, Dolly, Katie, AnnMarie, Lisa, Cindy, and her dog Coco's favorite Janis. In addition, Ellen leaves behind her beloved caregiver here in MA, Renata.

A memorial service will be celebrated Friday May 31, 2024 at 11:00am in the Chapel of the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main Street, Ashland, MA followed by urn burial in Wildwood Cemetery in Ashland.  One visiting hour will be held Friday from 10:00-11:00am prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ellen's memory would be appreciated to: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284  to support cancer research and patient care.

www.dana-farber.org/gift