Eleanor Kimball

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Eleanor M. (Downing) Kimball on June 5, 2025. She was the daughter of the late Bartholomew C. and Mary A. Downing, and the sister of the late Francis C. Downing and his wife Marilyn.

Eleanor was preceded in death by her high school sweetheart and husband, Robert L. Kimball and is survived by their five children, Peter (Anne), Paul (Jeanette), Neil (Linda), Gary (Christine) and Marybeth Maino (Ed).

She was so proud of her family, especially those that called her Grammie - 14 grandchildren: Chris, Kelly, Kate, Jessie, Farrin, Jarrod, Jeffrey, Kaitlin, Matthew, Sean, Brian, Brendan, Robert and Michael and 17 great grandchildren.

Born and raised her whole life in Hanover, MA, Eleanor lived a life rooted in strong faith, family, love, kindness and embraced the simplicity of life. Eleanor was a proud and active member of the Hanover High School Class of 1947. She went on to further her education at Burdett College in Boston. Her professional life was marked by dedication to her community. She dedicated many years to serving the Town of Hanover in various roles, including positions with the Board of Registrars and the Council on Aging, ultimately retiring as the Tax Collector.

She had the biggest heart to serve and give to others. Eleanor never knew a stranger because she would go out of her way to make a connection with everyone she met. She loved the beach and cherished family vacations. Gardening brought her joy, especially rooting her beloved “Rose of Sharon” plants and sharing them with others to grow. Music was another of her passions: she performed with the Sweet Adelines and sang in her church choir. She also loved to dance, especially tap dancing with fellow residents at Benchmark Assisted Living. Eleanor was a devoted Boston sports fan, always cheering on her teams, especially her beloved Celtics.

She will be remembered for her strength, strong will, big heart and love of family.

Visitation will be at Sullivan Funeral Home, 551 Washington Street, Hanover on Tuesday, June 10th from 4-8 pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 11th at 9:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Angels (St Mary’s Church), 392 Hanover Street, Hanover, MA 02339. Burial will follow at the Hanover Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Robert and Eleanor Kimball Memorial Scholarship Fund, which was established through the Hanover Permanent Scholarship Fund. Address: HPSF, Attention; Robert and Eleanor Kimball Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 67, Hanover, MA 02339