Mary Ellen Gattoni

Mary Ellen (Mullaney) Gattoni of Norfolk, Massachusetts, passed away surrounded by the love of her family on July 20, 2026 at the age of 89.

She was born on October 31, 1936 in Providence, Rhode Island to the late William F and Imelda (Dube) Mullaney.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her former husband, Charles J. Gattoni, and her brothers Robert, Norman, Raymond, Charles and Kenneth Mullaney.

She is survived by daughter, Holly A. Gattoni and her husband Scott J. Marion, her brothers Bernard and Edward and his sisters Ellie, Carol and Kathy along with many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grand nephews.

Mary Ellen made Norfolk, Massachusetts, her home, becoming a longtime member of the community and building a life centered around family, faith, friendship, and service to others.

Throughout her working years, Mary Ellen was employed by Holmes Transportation, Standard Fittings Company in Framingham, Massachusetts, and the Kendall Company in Walpole, Massachusetts. She also spent part of her working life as a house cleaner and as a school bus driver, where she became a familiar, hardworking, and caring presence to the many people and children she served over the years. Mary Ellen worked tirelessly throughout her life, taking immense pride in working hard to provide her daughter with a private school education and support her through Boston College.

Mary Ellen believed strongly in giving back to the community she called home. She served the Town of Norfolk on the Recycling and Solid Waste Committee and later on the Board of Registrars of Voters.

Her Catholic faith was an especially important part of Mary Ellen's life. She was a devoted parishioner of St. Jude's Church in Norfolk and shared her faith with younger generations by serving as a CCD teacher. Her faith, compassion for others, and belief in the importance of prayer remained a source of strength throughout her life.

Mary Ellen also knew how to enjoy life's simple pleasures. She loved bowling and gardening and took great satisfaction in tending to her plants and watching her garden grow. These were among the many interests that brought her happiness and connected her with family and friends.

Above everything else, Mary Ellen treasured her family. She took tremendous pride in her daughter, and some of her greatest happiness came from simply being surrounded by the people she loved. Whether celebrating an important occasion or enjoying an ordinary day together, family was always at the heart of Mary Ellen's life.

She will be remembered as a loving mother, sister, aunt, and friend; as a woman of deep faith; and as someone who generously gave her time and talents to her family, her church, and her community.

Mary Ellen's passing leaves an enormous space in the lives of those who loved her, but she also leaves behind a lifetime of memories—the laughter, traditions, lessons, conversations, and countless everyday moments that made her such an important part of their lives.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.May she rest in eternal peace.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral on Monday July 27th, at 9 AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. Franklin followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, 1 Church Square Franklin at 10 AM. To view the Mass stmarysfranklin.org 

Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Cumberland, RI.

Calling hours will be held at the Oteri Funeral Home on Sunday, July 26, 2026 from 5-7PM.

Guestbook www.franklinfuneral.com