Mary Ellen Ridge

Mary Ellen Ridge, age 73, passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, surrounded by her loving family. Born in Boston, Massachusetts on October 12, 1950, she was the daughter of the late Philip and Marian (Little) Quatrale. Mary was raised in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston, where she graduated from Jamaica Plain High School with the Class of 1969. Following her graduation, Mary's family settled in Roslindale, and she took a position with Northeastern University. While working full-time during the day, Mary furthered her education at night, taking courses at Northeastern to earn her bachelor's degree with a focus on Criminal Justice. 

Mary met her husband-to-be, Stephen L. Ridge, on the campus of Northeastern, while he was completing his studies. A few years later, on July 23, 1977, Mary and Steve married at Sacred Heart Church in Roslindale. The couple made their first home together in the Hyde Park section of Boston, and Mary once more returned to her education, earning her master's degree in 1979. As Mary and Steve welcomed their daughters, Michelle and Kristen, the family settled in East Walpole, Massachusetts, where they built their forever home. Mary loved entertaining in her new home, hosting holidays, parties, and of course pool parties, ensuring everyone had fun and plenty to eat. Her annual Fourth of July party was not one to miss, as Mary pulled out all the stops, to ensure the party was ‘top notch.’  

Mary's career with Northeastern carried on for many years, working in various offices across the campus, until her retirement in 2016. She took full advantage of the retired lifestyle, taking trips to Aruba, Washington D.C., Hawaii, Disney World, Iceland and Ireland with Steve by her side. While Mary loved traveling with Steve, she also looked forward to trips with her girlfriends for weekend getaways. Back at home, Mary loved tea time at Fancy That and her standing lunch plans with her girlfriends, sharing stories and laughs over a meal together.  

Most of all, Mary was devoted to her family, sharing a special bond with those she loved. Mary and Steve shared an unmatched bond, they were in love with each other in every sense of the word. With every moment as precious as the next, they took every opportunity to be together often coined as “NanaPapa,” one word. Even something as simple as a date at Dunkin Donuts over a cup of coffee, brought the pair enjoyment and love. She loved being a Mom to her two girls, spending as much time with Michelle and Kristen as possible. While her daughters were young, Mary and Steve were devoted to ensuring Michelle and Kristen had the very best childhood imaginable. As her girls grew up, her already strong bonds grew even stronger. Whether it was constant visits with Michelle or her daily connections with Kristen, their impeccable bonds strengthened every single day. However, when the three were together, they loved going to spas and restaurants, shopping, getting their nails done, and dancing and singing to their favorite songs. Mary was delighted to watch her daughters fall in love with the men they married, opening her heart and home to Stephen and Michael. She quickly went to work, planning the perfect weddings for her daughters, even crashing some weddings with Steve to check out bands – wedding crashers. With grandchildren on the way, once more Mary went to work, planning baby showers and preparing herself for her favorite title, Nana. Mary was delighted to welcome her five grandchildren, taking an active role in caring for them over the years. Her favorite day of the week was “Nana Day” Wednesdays where she would take her grandkids all over town checking out the latest spots; playgrounds, arcades, museums, libraries, town events and more. The question of the day was the ‘kids choice’ on what restaurant they would hit up for lunch. She always outdid herself during the holidays, building giant Easter baskets, providing mounds of presents at Christmas, and ensuring everyone had the latest item she felt was necessary to make everything “extra special 249,” as nothing was too much for her grandkids.   

We will continue to “Be good, be careful, be smart and remember, you’re a Ridge” just as you taught us to be.

Beloved wife of Stephen L. Ridge.

Loving mother of Michelle L. Hirsch and her husband, Stephen, of Franklin and Kristen R. Rudenauer and her husband, Michael, of East Walpole.

Cherished Nana of Jackson, Chase, Brooke, Victoria, and Michael.

Sister of the late Catherine Walsh and her late husband, David, and the late Shirley Collins and her late husband, Charles.

Also survived by her many loving nieces and nephews. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Mary's Life Celebration on Tuesday, January 30th, 2024, from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.

Mary's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Mary's Church, 176 Washington Street, East Walpole, on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at 10:00 AM.  Interment will take place privately in Knollwood Memorial Park in Canton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mary's name may be made to Dana Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284 or by visiting www.dana-farber.org/gift