Mary Sullivan Obituary

Sullivan (Schwarz), Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen Sullivan, age 82, died at Kettering Senior Living in Miamisburg, Ohio, on October 19, 2023. She was a 1958 graduate of Wiley High School in Terre Haute, Indiana. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Special Education and her Master of Science in Clinical Psychology at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana. She worked as a clinical psychologist in various settings throughout her career, finally retiring in 1996 after serving 20 years as Executive Director of Darke County Mental Health Clinic in Greenville, Ohio.

Mary Ellen loved discussing current events, was a Master Gardener, as well as an avid reader. She is survived by her daughter Joan (Raymond) Crowell of Beavercreek, Ohio, her four grandchildren Samuel (Cheyanne) Crowell of Arcanum, Ohio, Abigail Crowell of Kettering, Ohio, Benjamin (Alexandra) Crowell of Miamisburg, Ohio, and Gabriel Crowell of Beavercreek, Ohio, as well as three Great Grandchildren, Alyssa, Caroline, and Sasha Crowell.

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her parents John and Olwen Schwarz, her brother John Schwarz, Jr., and her beloved companion, Kenneth L. Risse.

The family will gather to celebrate her life on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, with a private memorial service for immediate family on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Kettering Senior Living for their loving care of Mary Ellen. The family is also extremely grateful to Ohio's Hospice of Dayton for their outstanding care and support for both Mary Ellen and her family.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dayton Daily News on Oct. 21, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Sullivan

6 Entries

January 12, 2024

We just learned of this after not hearing from her during the holidays Mary Ellen was a faithful neighbor to my mom, Marilyn who is 93 now and will miss her phone chats that mom looked so forward to . They were so much alike even more alike than some of moms sisters and had meaningfull discussions throughout decades of knowing one another. I too knew her and will miss hearing her voice when she d call worrying my mom hadnt called in awhile . They kept tabs on one another and expressed their love of each other and their friendship. God Speed Mary Ellen and thankyou for being a light in my moms life and a warm and friendly neighbor to her as well

Julie Stueve

November 5, 2023

I met Mary Ellen when I worked for Ken in Minster and Ft Loramie. After she moved to Dayton I tried to stay in contact and at least call her on her birthday. I have fond memories talking with her. My deepest sympathies to your families

Tim Clarke

October 24, 2023

Mary and I became friends at St. Charles. She attended many of the Adult Faith Formation Programs that I facilitated. She contributed so much to our class conversations - most of all her deep and abiding faith. She always took an interest in my own life's journey and offered her wisdom and knowledge when I was in need of it the most. I always looked forward to our lunches at Mexican restaurants around the Dayton area. Thank you Mary Ellen for acompaning me along this wonderful journey we call LIFE!!!

Donna Stuhlsatz

October 21, 2023

Just ordered trees to be planted in her honor. I encourage others to do the same. MaryEllen worked hard to become a Master Gardener. She would so love having trees planted to help the preserve our forests. We went to a number of garden centers in order to find interesting plants for both of our gardens. Rest in peace my dear friend Love, Donna

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Donna Stuhlsatz

October 21, 2023

I have known Mary Ellen in many compacities but first and foremost as my dear friend. We were sisters of the heart. I have so many memories of her. We worked together at Dunn Mental Health Clinic in Richmond, Indiana. She then hired me to work with her at The Darke County Mental Health Clinic. We traveled together and had great fun. I went up in a plane where she was a copilot. Then the pilot gave the controls over to her, I was scared but we made land .She loved her pets starting with Gretchen, the wonder dog and Pounce, the tuxedo cat. Then Rex, the loving German Shepard to Ken and her. We enjoyed the companionship of the apartments in Greenville. She enjoyed entertaining and had many friends there. When she moved to Kettering, we had many lunches with one another. I will miss our conversations even though we disagreed on politics. I will miss her very much. I loved you Mary Ellen.

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