Frances Elliott Obituary

Beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister;
While in the loving company of family, Frances Anita (Dunks) Elliott, 91, of Dracut, MA peacefully fell asleep in Jesus on Thursday May 15, 2025 after an intense, but courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Elgin, Texas, October 23, 1933, the daughter of the late Reuben Franklin and the late Annie Mae (Schwartz) Dunks.
During her childhood, challenges and hardships were not uncommon; but they were met with determination by her close, hard-working family. At the young age of 16, destruction devastated the entire family when a home fire took the lives of her mother, 2 brothers and 2 nephews. The harsh ramifications shaped Anita (as she preferred to be addressed by family and friends) into the independent, self-sufficient survivor that carried her throughout her lifetime.
Through the ensuing erratic years, Anita held strong. She became a graduate of Lynnwood Academy in Lynnwood, CA. She met Stephen Joseph Cepulinski while he was in the US Navy. They were married and made a home in Lowell, MA where they raised their three daughters: Cynthia, Carol, and Catherine.
When her daughters were old enough, she became the manager of the Cumberland
Farms store in Lowell, MA and held this position for many years. Always a hard worker, Anita held a variety of positions in various industries: retail, dental, healthcare, and manufacturing. Driven by the desire to help others, she went on to earn an associate's degree in Human Services and later earned an LNA license in nursing.
After many years of dedicated service, Anita retired and later married her second husband, Major Robert Elliott, retired from the US Army. They lived in Panama City, FL for many years until Robert passed away. With time, Anita returned to Massachusetts so she could be near her family.
She loved spending her extra time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, especially during the holidays and special events.
Faithful to her dedication to God, Anita participated in her church through whatever means possible, always striving to help provide for those in need and to further God's cause. She had numerous charities that she consistently and graciously contributed to.
Anita was fearless and unafraid to experience the world on her own. She loved to travel and loved a good challenge. Blessed with the gift of speech, she would welcome a conversation and a good debate at any time. She enjoyed pastimes such as camping, gardening, and staying updated with the political world. But her greatest love and enjoyment were her family, whether on a special outing, attending an event, or just chatting up a storm in the kitchen.
Anita Elliott is survived by her three daughters: Cynthia Cepulinski of Dracut, MA; Carol Paiva of Pelham, NH; and Catherine Cepulinski of Antrim, NH. She is also survived by grandchildren Nathan Lavoie; Christin Hagan and spouse, Eric; Justin Leonard; Amanda Aveni and spouse, Anthony; Stephen Leonard; Alyssa Leonard; and Aidan Leonard and spouse, Audrey; eight great grandchildren; a brother Dolan Dunks of Orville, CA; two sisters-in-law: Ava Dunks of Washington and Doris Dunks of CA; and many nieces and nephews.
Anita is also the sister of the late Wally, Roy, Irvin, Charles and Vernon Dunks.
Francis Anita Elliott touched the lives of so many people while spreading a wealth of genuine goodness and love to all those around her. She will live on in the lives of many, but especially in the lives and hearts of her three daughters: Cindy, Carol, and Cathy. She will be sorely missed; but her positive energy and loving, caring, giving influence will live on forever.
Friends may call on Friday May 23, 2025, at the PELHAM FUNERAL HOME located at 11 NASHUA RD. in PELHAM, NH from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. A Graveside Service will follow at the Gibson Cemetery in Pelham at 12:00 Noon. E-condolences/directions at www.pelhamfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in her memory to The Salvation Army at www.salvationarmyusa.org, the MSPCA at www.mspca.org, or the Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org. Arrangements by Funeral Director James F. O'Donnell, Jr. (603) 635-3333.