Elaine (Anderson ) Sullivan,93, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, at the Maples Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wrentham, MA.
The daughter of the late Amelia Lutz and Clifford A. Anderson, Elaine was born on June 13, 1932, in Charleroi, Pennsylvania. Elaine grew up in Weirton, WV, but spent the majority of her adult years in New England. She made a home in the Franklin, MA community, surrounded by friends and family.
Elaine was loved by many for her intelligence, warmth, and, above all, her kindness. She was valedictorian of her high school and studied fashion design at Carnegie Mellon University. She worked from home while her children were young.
She was an accomplished seamstress, legal secretary, and executive assistant at Dean College prior to retirement. Elaine knew how to make people feel loved, and she was a reliable confidant to many. She loved long car rides with her husband, Robert (Sully) Sullivan. Their pool was always open for family and friends, and it was their greatest joy to provide a place for their loved ones to swim, eat, and enjoy valuable time together.
In December of 1985, Elaine and Robert Sullivan were at The Franklin Food Pantry donating food for those in need that year for the holidays—something they did often— when they overheard a mother crying that she needed more help. They helped her and another family by delivering presents dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Claus in a convertible. That day, The Santa Foundation was born, and 40 years later, their legacy continues to provide for others. The Santa Foundation has helped 860 families this year alone.
Elaine’s legacy lives on through daughter Cynthia Timmons and husband Richard, son Jon Mellin, son-in-law Jon Ross, and her nine grandchildren Kristin (Kevin), Cameron (Samantha), Fletcher (Courtney), Brendan (Katie), Patrick, Madison, Lockewood, Jonathan, Parker and nine great grandchildren.
She reunites now with Robert Sullivan: husband, Deborah Ross: daughter, Sheri Mellin: daughter-in-law, and Cliff Anderson: brother, Tom Lutz: brother, Amelia Lutz: mother, and Donald Mellin: late husband.
Elaine’s family wants to express their gratitude to the staff of Maples Nursing Home, who prioritized Elaine’s health and happiness during her residency. Elaine took pride in having her family and favorite pets visit in the lobby over tea, a banana, and sometimes an ice cream.
Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Monday, December 29th from 4-6pm at Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin (ginleyfuneralhomes.com) 131 Main Street, Franklin.
The family will have a private burial.
In lieu of flowers, Elaine’s family asks that you consider making a donation to The Santa Foundation or The Franklin Food Pantry , 341 West Central Street, Franklin, MA 02038 in Elaine Sullivan’s name.