Ellen Jean ( MacDonald) Kotkowski of Dedham passed away peacefully at home on May 25, 2026, at the age of 78.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Ellen was the beloved daughter of the late Grace Sebastian and Grant MacDonald.
Beloved wife of Christopher Kotkowski of Dedham, Ellen was the devoted mother of the late Joanne Williams of Dedham; Robert Williams and Joseph Williams, both of Hyde Park; Krissy Santangelo and her husband Nicholas of Norton; Jeffrey Kotkowski and his wife Christina of Norfolk; and John Kotkowski and his wife Katrina of Arlington and the late Eric Kotkowski. She was also the loving stepmother of Christopher Kotkowski and his wife Alyson of Framingham; Troy Kotkowski and his wife Terri of Westford; and Laurie Pinkerton of Boston.
Ellen was the proud and cherished Nana of Jacqueline, Justin, Brandon, Amanda, Brett, Eric, Sophia, Anthony, Bobby, Cole, Ruby, Stella, Paxton, and Lincoln, and great-grandmother of Mac, Isabelle, Layla, and Charlotte.
She was the cherished sister of Corinne Converse of Hyde Park; Susan Campbell and her husband Tommy of Dedham; Larry MacDonald of Halifax; Brian MacDonald and his wife Geri of Attleboro; Debra “Deedee” Lenane and her husband Jay of Dedham; Jeffrey “Jay” MacDonald and his wife Michelle of Dorchester; David MacDonald of Boston; and Paul MacDonald and his wife Kim of Dorchester.
She was predeceased by her sisters Anne Silve; Judith McQuade and her late husband Richard; MaryAnne MacDonald; and Linda Spinale of Hyde Park and her surviving husband Billy; and by her brothers Robert “Bobby” MacDonald and his late wife Linda, Richard MacDonald and his surviving wife Tracy, and Wayne MacDonald.
She also leaves behind many loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will deeply miss her.
Family was at the center of Ellen’s life, and nothing brought her more joy than spending time with those she loved. She especially treasured her role as “Nana,” and her grandchildren were a constant source of pride, happiness, and unconditional love.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Wilson-Cannon Funeral Home, 456 High St, Dedham on Friday, May 29 from 4-7pm. Funeral from the funeral home on Saturday, May 30 at 9am followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Dedham at 10am (accessible parking in the rear of the church). Relatives and friends kind;y invited. Interment in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Roxbury.