Published January 25, 2019

MELROSE — Ellen Shannon (Waystack) Cronin, 77, passed away peacefully at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on January 19, 2019 after having suffered the challenges of dementia. She was surrounded by love everyday of her short 77 years.

She is survived by the love of her life for almost 58 years, Gerald J. Cronin. She was the loving mother of Deborah Cronin-Waelde and her husband Richie, James Cronin and his wife Karen, and Kevin Cronin and his wife JulieAnne. She was the cherished grandmother of Kerrianne Pippy and her husband Andrew, Megan Martin and her husband Dillon, Amanda, Hanna, Johnathan , Molly and Kara Cronin. She was the proud great-grandmother of Landon Martin and Liam Pippy.

Ellen was born in Arlington and pre-deceased by her parents Edward and Rita Waystack. She is the loving sister of Edward and Simone Waystack, Peter and Nora Waystack, Stephen and Karen Waystack and Susan Waystack. She was the dear sister-in-law to John and Sandra Cronin and the late George F. Cronin. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews as well as the many dear friends she made along the way.

Ellen was happiest being joined at the hip to Gerald on their many adventures. She left this world knowing she was loved and adored by him. She also found joy and comfort surrounded by her children and grandchildren on our many trips, meals, and celebrations. We ask that you remember her fondly and with the dignity that her disease could not rob from her.

Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Tuesday, January 22. Funeral procession from the Gately Funeral Home on Wednesday January 23, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, 9 Herbert St. Melrose. Burial followed the Mass at Wyoming Cemetery in Melrose. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, attn: Fund Development Office, 585 Lebanon St., Melrose, MA 02176. To send a message of condolence please visit www.gatelyfh.com