TOPSFIELD - Mrs. Elaine (Evangelist) Crippen , 82, of Topsfield, beloved wife of Frank Crippen III, passed away peacefully on December 29th, 2024 in Burlington surrounded by her family.

Born in Rome, New York, she was the daughter of the late Adolph and Mufalda (Mulga) Evangelist. Elaine was raised and educated in Rome and graduated from Rome Free Academy.  She met her beloved husband, Frank, in Rome and then began their married life and family in Williamsport, PA.  In 1978 they relocated to their home in Topsfield, Massachusetts.  Elaine dedicated much of her early life to being a devoted homemaker, nurturing her three children, Frank IV, Lynn, and Christine, supporting them in all their endeavors. As they grew older, she pursued a fulfilling career as a secretary at Masconomet Regional High School, where she worked for 23 years, making lasting connections with students and staff alike.

After retirement, Elaine was a strong pillar of her community in Topsfield. She volunteered her time at the Topsfield Library, the Box Top Shop, and served on the board to the Council of Aging of Topsfield. Her passion for caring for her community extended to her involvement in the Lost Children's Building at the Topsfield Fair, as a poll worker for elections, and at town meetings.

Elaine was known for her active lifestyle; she cherished her daily walks, practiced yoga several times a week, and was an avid reader with a particular fondness for house plants.

Elaine leaves behind her beloved husband of 61 years, Frank Crippen III, her children Frank Crippen IV and his wife Jeanine of Morristown, NJ, Lynn Smith and her husband Joseph of North Andover, and Christine Champeau and her husband David of Hudson, her grandchildren, Andrew Smith and his wife Elena, Robert Smith, Meghan Twomey and her husband Matt, Frank Crippen V and his fiancée Christine Greik, Jennifer Champeau, and Kate Champeau, her great grandchild, Quinn Eloise, and her sister Dolores Sweeney as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Rita Gugliemo and her brother, Robert Evangelist.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to attend Elaine's funeral Mass which will be held at St. Rose of Lima Parish, 12 Park St,. Topsfield on Friday, January 3, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. Visiting hours will be held at St. Rose of Lima Parish, Friday, January 3, 2025 from 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. (noon) Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Topsfield.  Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elaine's name to the Special Olympics, 1133 19th Street NW, 12th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20036 or at support.specialolympics.org . To share a memory, send flowers, or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

Special Olympics of Massachusetts
512 Forest Street, Marlborough MA 01752
Web: https://www.specialolympicsma.org/