Eleanor A. Ruffen

October 1, 1931 - March 16, 2018

Eleanor A. (Donnelly) Ruffen, 86, a resident of Methuen, MA passed away peacefully at home on Friday, March 16, 2018. Born in Lawrence, MA, Eleanor was the wife of the late George Ruffen and daughter of the late Francis H. and Estelle (DeForge) Donnelly. She was a 1950 graduate of St. Mary’s High School and was retired from Avco Defense Systems in Wilmington, MA after 30 years of service. Eleanor loved to travel and be with her family and friends. Eleanor is survived by her niece Kathleen Cook who was her loving caretaker and with whom she resided, her nephew James Cook, Jr. of Salisbury, MA as well as 8 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and extended family. She was predeceased by her sisters Olive Kasouf, Marilyn Donnelly, Patricia Clarke and Estelle Emmott, her brother Francis Donnelly, Jr., and her nephew John G. Cook. Special thanks to Merrimack Valley Hospice for providing her with excellent care. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 2, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. in Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish at St. Theresa’s Church, 22 Plymouth St., Methuen, MA. Burial will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Lawrence, MA. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Eleanor’s name to the charity of one’s choice. To send an online condolence or for more information, please go to www.breenfuneralhome.com.