Eleanor M. (Kay) Melia 81, a beloved mother, nana, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully at home on October 31, 2026, surrounded by her family.
She was born in Chelsea, MA on September 3, 1945 to the late Eleanor M. (Smith) Kay and James M. Kay. She is survived by her brother, Robert Kay (Margie) of Plymouth, MA. She is predeceased by her sister and brother–in–law, Kathleen Lawlor (Paul).
Ellie, as she was known, grew up in Quincy and moved to Hanson, where she raised her four children. She was a strong pillar of the community, with her involvement in youth sports and coaching cheerleading for Hanson Youth Football. She worked at the Bell Telephone Company before moving to Hanson. She then became a familiar face at the Whitman-Hanson High School cafeteria as the baker.
Ellie is survived by her loving children, Michelle Hughes (Michael) of Hanson, Kathleen Naughton (Damian) of Warrenpoint, Northern Ireland, Annmarie Moreno (Jonathan) of Bridgewater and James Melia (Janet) of Hanson. She is also survived by her eight grandchildren, Caitlin, Colleen and Patrick Hughes; Abigail Naughton; Ryan and Emily Moreno; and Ava and Nathan Melia, all of whom she loved very much and who brought so much joy to her life. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours will be on Friday, November 6, 2026, from 3-6 p.m. at the Leighton – Mackinnon Funeral Home 4 Washington St. (corner of rte 58) Hanson, MA. On Saturday, November 7, 2026, services will be at the funeral home at 10 a.m., followed by the burial at Fern Hill Cemetery on High Street, Hanson. All are Welcome.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ellie's memory may be made to Whitman Hanson Athletics, an organization that has been a meaningful part of her family's life, where her children and grandchildren have proudly competed over the years.
