Eleanor L. Rankin, age 81, died Monday, April 27, 2009 at Saint Medical Center in Lowell after a brief illness. She was the beloved wife of the late John F. Rankin, Jr. Born in Biddeford, Maine, August 27, 1927, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Mabel (York) Dennett. Eleanor worked for the Butler Department Store in Maine and later for A.G. Pollard in Lowell in the credit department. She was a former Brownie leader in Billerica and an active member of the Billerica Friends of Music. She enjoyed spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking, especially around the holidays. Mrs. Rankin is survived by her children, Jane Johansen and her husband Paul of Billerica, Kathleen Thorlton of Billerica, Deborah Bubar and her husband Francis of Dracut, and John F. Rankin III and his wife Cindy of Haverhill. She also leaves her 9 loving grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.