Obituary of Elaine C. McKenna

Elaine (Cipolla) McKenna, of Arlington, Falmouth and Palm Beach, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at Lahey Clinic Hospital in Burlington. She was 70 years old. Treasured soul mate, wife and best friend of the late John McKenna. Elaine was one of three cherished daughters of Anthony and Mary Cipolla. A lifelong resident of Arlington where her friends remained her dearest companions throughout life. A graduate of Arlington High School, Class of 1972, Elaine went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Boston College. During her college years, she also attended Robert’s School of Electrology and Esthetics becoming both a licensed Electrologist and Esthetician. Once licensed she joined her mother’s thriving business, “Mary M, Cipolla  Electrology and Esthetics Offices,” opening a second office on Mass Avenue in Arlington, the very place that would become the heart of her life’s work. With Elaine’s care and assistance, the salon grew into a cherished generational practice, where mothers, daughters, and granddaughters all became loyal clients and friends. Elaine possessed a unique gift — she was incredibly intelligent, business-savvy, and deeply talented, but above all, she had a genuine ability to connect with people. Her warm, radiant smile and kind heart made everyone feel special, seen, and beautiful — inside and out. She served on the boards and as officers on both the Massachusetts Electrology Association and the American Electrology Association, as well as the Esthetician’s Association, proudly representing her professions across the country. She was a fierce advocate for professionalism, integrity, and excellence in her field. Elaine served on the board of the Shannon Lee Meara Foundation- for Dating and Domestic Violence. Her greatest joy in life was her family. She married the love of her life, John M. McKenna, in 1980, and together they built a life rooted in love, generosity, and shared dreams.  They were loving second parents to their many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. John was a devoted husband who not only showered Elaine with affection but also was full of surprises. He gave her a house in Falmouth as a wedding gift. Together, they created beautiful homes in Falmouth, Bartlett, NH and Palm Beach — all places where family gathered, laughed, and made memories that will last a lifetime.

Elaine's sisters were her best friends, and her nieces and nephews were the center of her world. She adored hosting sleepovers, organizing game nights, planning adventures. She traveled the world with her loved ones — road trips across the U.S, European getaways, and especially meaningful visits to Italy. Elaine embraced every experience with joy, curiosity, and a sense of wonder.

Her circle of friends was wide and deep — spanning childhood, high school, college, neighbors, colleagues, and those who, as she would say, “just found their way into my heart and never left.” She especially loved her monthly “GNO” (Girls’ Night Out) with her close-knit group of girlfriends, many of whom became her favorite travel companions.

Elaine brought sunshine wherever she went. She was effortlessly stylish, always impeccably dressed with her signature hair and makeup perfectly done. But more than that, she had a rare gift for making people feel loved, heard, and truly special. Her laughter was contagious, her stories unforgettable, and her heart always open.

Elaine made dreams come true — not just her own, but those of everyone lucky enough to know her. Her love, her warmth, her sense of humor, and her boundless generosity will be remembered forever. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to have known her.

 Elaine was the loving sister of Marie Blouin & her husband Thomas of Burlington and Lois MacGregor & her late husband Charles “Bud” MacGregor of Bedford.  She was the sister-in-law of Judi McKenna and the late Francis McKenna of Billerica, David and Judy McKenna of Arlington. Elaine was the very fun and special aunt of Christopher Blouin, David Blouin & Carlee Yeadon, Marisa Blouin & Richard Walsh, Kimberly Drolette & her husband James, Charles “Chad” MacGregor & his wife Jill, Timothy McKenna, Stephanie Haley & her husband Michael, Cliff Bassett, Amy Bassett & Scott Seaborg, and Katie McKenna. Elaine was the great aunt of Daniel & his wife Kailey, Jayson, Skyla, Anthony, Matthew, Nicholas, Cayden, Isabelle, James John, Evelyn, John, Joseph, Michael, Andrew John, Stephen, Brian, Ryan and Amber. She also leaves many dear friends. Anne Byrne and Maureen McCaffrey were her “besties.”

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Wednesday, April 23 from 4-7 p.m.  Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Thursday, April 24 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, 111 Winn Street, Burlington at 10 a.m. Services will conclude with a burial at Newton Cemetery, Newton.  

Memorials in Elaine’s name may be made to the Shannon Lee Meara Foundation, www.shannonleemearafoundation.org, or to the charity of your choice.

For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net