Eleanor Mae Cromwell

Eleanor Mae (Degen) Cromwell died on November 6 in Groton, Massachusetts at the age of 96 years. Born in Fitchburg, Massachusetts, she was the daughter of Ethel (Henault) Theriault and John Degen. 

She graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1948 and from The Hospital and Convalescent Home for Children in Wellesley Hills in 1949. After graduation, she moved to Nantucket Island to work as a private nurse. There, she met her husband, John, who was stationed on the island with the Coast Guard as a lighthouse keeper.

A proud Coast Guard wife, Eleanor lived on Staten Island, New York; Nantucket; Ketchikan, Alaska; and Springfield, Virginia, before returning to Massachusetts and settling in Leominster. After her husband retired from the Coast Guard and began his career at Digital, she enjoyed living in Amherst, New Hampshire, and Reading, England, where she delighted in visiting many European countries.

Eleanor was a loving mother who especially cherished her grandchildren. To them, she was the best Grammy in the world.

Eleanor is survived by her son, John Cromwell Jr., and his wife, Cheryl, of Pepperell; her daughter, Faith Clarke, of Sandwich, Massachusetts; six grandchildren, Matthew, Kara, and Michael Cromwell, Carolyn Muniz, Renee Bryan, and Chase Clarke; and several great-grandchildren. A daughter, Nancy Sicard, predeceased her in 2011.

The family would like to express their gratitude to RiverCourt Residences and Ascend Hospice.

Burial will be in Spring at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Winchendon, with a private family service.

Arrangements are under the care of Badger Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 45 School St., Groton, MA 01450. 978-486-3709 www.badgerfuneral.com