Mary Ellen (Trainor) Cooper, age 83, of Tewksbury, passed away peacefully at the Care Dimensions Hospice House on Friday, July 10, 2026, surrounded by her children.
Born in Woburn on June 8, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Edward “Pie” Trainor and the late Therese “Ma” (Thompson) Trainor. She was the wife of the late James Cooper who passed away in 2008.
Known affectionately as “Other Mother” to all who loved her, she devoted her life to her nine children: Patty Jo Hanley & former husband David, the late James “Jimma” Cooper, Mary Ellen Cooper, Anne Marie Valdina & her husband John, Therese “TJ” Cooper, Kevin Cooper, Brian Cooper & his wife Karen, Bobby Cooper, Teddy Cooper & his wife Liz.
She was a cherished grandmother to fourteen grandchildren: David Hanley, the late Derek Hanley, Alyssa Silva, Michael, Jay, and Kimarie Collins; Jenelle, Andrew, and Kathleen Valdina; Brian and Dylan Cooper; Teddy, Camden, and Madison Cooper.
She was the proud great grandmother of seven great grandchildren: Arianna, Devin, and Jenna Hanley, Nicholas and Emerson Silva, Michael Collins, and Logan Beecher. She was also a devoted aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Mary Ellen is survived by her beloved siblings: Maggie Fedus, Patty & Billy Flynn, Kathy & Billy Sharkey, Terry Sullivan, and Nancy Anderson. Mary Ellen is preceded in death by her brothers in law Walt Fedus and Keith Anderson.
Mary Ellen spent most of her life in Tewksbury and graduated from Tewksbury High School in 1961. She dedicated 32 years to Tewksbury Hospital, serving in the Social Services Department until her retirement in 2017. For 35 years, she also helped with her family's catering business, working countless functions at the Tewksbury Elks Lodge. In addition, she worked for the United States Census Bureau from 1970 to 2010. Prior to her declining health, she was employed as a substitute elementary school teacher in the Lowell Public Schools. Throughout her life, her compassion, humor, and unwavering love for her family and community touched countless lives.
She cherished spending summers with her family at Hampton Beach, creating lasting memories at the old Milky Way cottage. She also enjoyed traveling, especially to Las Vegas and Aruba, and was a devoted Boston sports fan. She loved playing Bingo with her lifelong friends, but nothing brought her greater joy than cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events and dance recitals.
Mary Ellen was an extraordinary cook whose kitchen was the heart of our family. She had a remarkable gift for preparing meals that could feed an army, and there was always enough for anyone who happened to stop by. Sharing her food was one of the many ways she showed her love, making everyone who sat at her table feel welcomed and cared for.
One of her greatest gifts was her generosity. She opened not only her home but also her heart to anyone in need, always offering a warm meal, a listening ear, or a safe place to stay. Family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers knew that they could count on her kindness and compassion.
Mary Ellen was a devoted volunteer to Into Action Recovery, a nonprofit formed by her children supporting those with substance use disorder. She was very proud of this, as her children carry on her legacy of helping others.
Due to limited display space at the church, the family requests that you kindly omit flowers and send donations to:
Into Action Recovery, PO Box 253, Tewksbury MA 01876.
or donate on website www.intoactionrecovery.org
Her family will forever treasure the love, generosity, and compassion that defined her life. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, hospitality, and unwavering devotion that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Calling hours are Wednesday, July 15th, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at St. William’s Church, 1351 Main Street, Route 38, Tewksbury. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 16th, at 11 a.m. at St. William’s Church, 1351 Main Street, Route 38, Tewksbury. Those attending are asked to please meet at the church. Services will conclude with interment at St. Mary Cemetery, 90 River Road, Tewksbury.