Ellen Magdalen Richardson

Ellen Magdalen (Jansen) Richardson, age 65, passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Newton Wellesley Hospital in Newton Lower Falls, Massachusetts. Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on September 25, 1958, she was the daughter of Dr. Alfred and Magdalen "Pat" (Burke) Jansen. Ellen was raised in Norwood, where she attended the local public schools and played the French horn as part of the marching band.

After her graduation from Norwood High School with the class of 1976, Ellen moved to the Brighton and later Brookline, Massachusetts. She continued her education, first at Boston College, and then at Saint Elizabeth's Nursing School in Boston. Ellen's parents were both in the medical field and she continued the family legacy of caring for those in need when she graduated from Saint Elizabeth's with her Nursing certificate in 1984. Immediately after receiving her licensure, Ellen accepted a nursing position within the Neurology Department at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. She worked hard to deliver quality care and hone her skills at MGH until she left in 1987 to accept a position with the Boston Visiting Nurses Association.

Ellen's life changed quite a bit that year, as not only did she start a new job, but she met her future husband, Cliff. Cliff was an avid skier, as was Ellen. She had grown up travelling all over the world with her family in search of the best ski slopes and perfecting her technique. The pair bonded over their enthusiasm for the sport and found themselves making plans to meet again. Ellen married the love of her life, Clifford Dennis Richardson, on November 19, 1988, in Saint Timothy's Church in her hometown of Norwood. The young couple enjoyed a honeymoon on the soft sands of Aruba before settling into their home in Waltham, Massachusetts. 

In August of 1990, Ellen and Cliff moved to moved to East Walpole, Massachusetts, where she made many friends and found a great community in her new neighborhood. Over the next few years, Ellen's family would grow and she would become a mother, eventually welcoming three beautiful girls. This also meant transitioning to a part time position with the VNA so that she could be home more. Ellen easily navigated the delicate balance of a career, motherhood, and being a wife. Her home was immaculate, and she taught her daughters the value of good housekeeping, while being present for gymnastics and various sports events. She and Cliff shared their love for skiing with their daughters, taking many trips to Loon Mountain to strap on their skis. As the girls got older, she returned to a supervisory position with the VNA in their Hyde Park office, but still came home each day to whip up a delectable meal for dinner and read a book out loud before bed.

Ellen was a vibrant woman, who valued time with her family above all else. Time together, whether it was on a York Beach or Disney vacation, or relaxing together at home with a glass of wine while watching Casablanca or another classic movie, was so important to her. Ellen was an outgoing woman and loved to throw parties with family and friends. She hosted legendary Halloween parties during her time in Brookline and became well known for her gatherings in her neighborhood in East Walpole. The community that she built with her friends and neighbors was central to her happiness, and Ellen looked forward to every opportunity to come together. She found reasons to celebrate year-round, hosting block parties in the summer, snowstorm parties when the shovels came out, and Superbowl parties whether or not the Pats were playing. Ellen went to monumental lengths to prepare for these parties and the holidays, amassing a multitude of decorations and making every event something to look forward to. Her light, love, and enthusiasm will be greatly missed.

Beloved wife of Clifford Dennis Richardson.

Loving mother of Shawna F. Richardson of East Walpole, Victoria "Tori" P. Richardson of Waltham, and Erin F. Richardson of East Walpole.

Cherished sister of David Jansen and his partner Jean of Florida, Lawrence Jansen and his wife Sheila of East Walpole, Barbara Johnson and her husband Richard of Walpole, and Jane Hale and her late husband Timothy of South Carolina.

Also survived by her stepmother, Maureen Brennan of Norwood, and many nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by her beloved Boston Terrier Sophie.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Ellen's Life Celebration on Tuesday, September 17th, 2024, from 4:00 - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024, in Saint Timothy Catholic Church, 650 Nichols Street, Norwood, at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Saint Francis Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ellen's name may be made to New England Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at P.O. Box 289, Canton, MA 02021