Lynnfield’s Ellen Crawford Receives 2026 Commonwealth Heroine Award from MA Commission on the Status of Women

Lynnfield resident Ellen Crawford was recently named a recipient of the 2026 Commonwealth Heroine Award, which is presented annually by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (MCSW) to recognize individuals across the state who are making a difference in their communities.

Crawford, the wife of former Select Board member Phil Crawford, was one of 147 award recipients honored by the MCSW during its 23^rd Annual Celebration of Commonwealth Heroines ceremony that took place at the State House on June 24.

“It is an honor for us to celebrate women of all communities who perform unheralded acts on a daily basis that make our homes, neighborhoods, cities, and towns better places to live,” the MCSW noted in its 2026 awards program.

Crawford was nominated for the award by House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading), who cited her record of community service with several local organizations and initiatives.

“Ellen’s longtime contributions to her community and volunteer work exemplify the high standards and exceptional qualities that define a Commonwealth Heroine,” said Representative Jones. “It was an honor to nominate her for this award because she deserves to be recognized for the many positive contributions she has made to the Lynnfield community over the years.”

A resident of Lynnfield for 44 years, Crawford has been an active participant in grassroots campaigns supporting the Market Street development and Lynnfield school building projects. She is also a member of the Lynnfield Historic Committee and a longtime supporter of the Lynnfield Senior Center and Lynnfield Public Library. As a member of the Lynnfield Village Home & Garden Club and Townscape (the Lynnfield Beautification Group), Crawford has led and supported projects that have included tree plantings, playground cleanups, and other community enhancement efforts.

A PTO President and member from 1991-2009, Crawford led and organized various fundraising initiatives supporting media center renovations, playground equipment upgrades, and educational resources. She also promoted student and staff morale through community engagement initiatives and directed fundraising efforts to support Lynnfield High School student-athletes as the Vice President of the Lynnfield Athletic Association.

An active parishioner at Saint Maria Goretti Parish for 44 years, Crawford has also served for 16 years as a religious education teacher, 35 years as a volunteer with My Brother’s Table through her parish, and as a youth sports coach.

Crawford is a member of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors and the National Association of Realtors who gives back to Lynnfield by donating a percentage of each transaction to the community. She was previously appointed by former Governor Charlie Baker to the Massachusetts Home Ownership Advisory Committee.

Crawford is a recipient of the Daniel Townsend Award for Excellence for her contributions to the Lynnfield community and was also honored with the Town Pride Award by the Greater Lynn Chamber of Commerce.

Created by the Legislature in 1998, the MCSW is an independent state agency that works “to provide a permanent, effective voice for women of the Commonwealth and to promote their rights, opportunities, and equality for all.” Since 2004, the MCSW has recognized over 2,000 women from across Massachusetts for their contributions to their communities, first with the Unsung Heroine Award and then, beginning in 2020, with the Commonwealth Heroine Award.

For more information on the MCSW, please visit https://masscsw.org/.