500 University Blvd. West
Silver Spring, Maryland

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dolores Hughes
January 15, 2024
It´s hard to believe that it´s been 10 years since this beautiful angel transitioned into her heavenly life and becoming her family´s most blessed Guardian Angel! No one who knew Mary Ellen doesn´t miss her warm, fun, sweet personality and joy that her presence brought to their lives Today is a 10 year reminder of sending special prayers to be offered for Mary Ellen and her family!
Dolores Hughes Wolfe
January 15, 2023
Another year has gone by, but not a day has passed without Mary Ellen´s beautiful spirit exuding from her family´s love for her, and from all who were so blessed to be included in her life´s experiences! She is a special Guardian Angel still spreading her uniqueness in every way! Prayers for her on Wednesday, the 18th, and remembering her in prayers every day!
Dolores Hughes Wolfe
January 15, 2022
It´s hard to believe that it´s been 8 years since Heaven welcomed such a beautiful Angel! Mary Ellen was one of a kind in every amazing way, and she took a piece of all of her loved ones´ hearts with her! They know she is alive with them in spirit and watching over them every day!
Dolores Hughes Wolfe
January 15, 2021
Seven long years have gone by and yet there are still no words to say enough about the beauty, kindness, fun and loving presence that Mary Ellen brought to every life she touched, and to her family who she loved more than life itself. I’m sure she is watching over her loved ones and friends from a glorious place of much-deserved peace and joy, and will be joined again by all whom she’s left temporarily to continue her best for God Himself! She is never far from our SBS classmates’ thoughts and prayers!
Dolores Hughes (Wolfe)
St. Bernadette’s Class of ‘62
Best Girl Scout Troop Ever
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
February 20, 2014
Thanks to all who have sent condolences, prayers and support during this difficult time. Words alone cannot express our gratitude. Mary Ellen was a beautiful person and will be missed by many.
Mark Dubinsky & Family
John Miller, class of "62 and '66
February 5, 2014
Mark,
My deepest thoughts and warmest wishes are for you and your family right now, Mary Ellen was obviously a very special person.
Carolyn Stamatakis
February 5, 2014
Mark and Family,
Mary Ellen added so much to our time at Dunbarton. I know I never had a conversation with her that did not leave me smiling and usually laughing. What great memories I have of her during that time. In later years, I know that she took immense pride in her wonderful family,and loved all of you with every fiber in her being. She will be greatly missed. Carolyn (Mullich) Stamatakis
Laura White
January 28, 2014
To the loved ones of Mary Ellen,
I only knew her briefly...but that brief time meant alot. She was a ray of sunshine...of hope. I will miss her immensely. You are in my thoughts and prayers. With love and sympathy.Laura White RN, UMMS Stoler Cancer Center
Louise Kane
January 24, 2014
Mark, my deepest sympathy for the loss of such a vibrant woman. Mary Ellen brightened many a moment at Dunbarton. I am especially grateful to you both for opening your home for a mini-reunion a few years ago. You and your family will continue to be in my prayers. Rest in peace, Mary Ellen.
Francis McNamara
January 24, 2014
It was a truly beautiful sendoff and a testament to your mothers faith and beauty-I'm so sorry Valerie and to the whole entire Dubinsky family.May God be with you through this tough time.Lots of love :)
Cathy Hinkston
January 23, 2014
Dear Mark and family, Bill and I were so sad to hear of your great loss. May the love of friends and family, and wonderful memories of Mary Ellen help you through such a difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Hull Family
January 23, 2014
Dear Mark and Family,
It was truly a blessing to know Mary Ellen. She was a special person, whose smile would make everyone else smile. We are so very sorry for your loss. May God bless you and keep you in this time of family sorrow. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Jay and Joanne Kerstetter Hull and family
January 23, 2014
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your love one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you. May our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and make you firm. (2 Thessalonians 2:16,17)
Terry King
January 23, 2014
Mark and family,
So sad to hear of Mary Ellen's passing. She fought a tough battle and all of you shared her fight. May she be at peace and may God be with you during this very difficult time.
Toni (ITLS) Fabio
January 23, 2014
Mark
I was so sorry to learn of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time.
Virginia Adams
January 23, 2014
Peace and Comfort to the family during this most difficult time. Mary Ellen was one of the most wonderful people I have ever had the honor to meet.
Jay & Rita Farr
January 23, 2014
Mark and family - what a beautiful lady that will really be missed in this family. Cherish the memories and may you find comfort in knowing that she is in Heaven and at peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
January 22, 2014
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
David Dubinsky
January 22, 2014
Mark and family,
I will always remember Mary Ellen as an angel. Your wedding was one of the first I remember as a child and Mary Ellen was so beautiful, her image on that day has never left me. She has always been great at keeping in touch with Christmas cards and we will miss her. You and your family are in our prayers and I if I can work it out, I will be at the viewing/and or funeral.
Cousins David and Sofia Dubinsky
Charlie Walker
January 22, 2014
One if my favorite families with a great lady leading the way! May God bless you all during this time of loss. Just a super lady! May she find peace in the arms of the Lord.
Carlstrom Family
January 22, 2014
Dearest Sarah, Steve, Mark, & family, we are no doubt blessed to have gotten to know your mom / grandmother, Mary Ellen. She was such a wonderful person – with a kind and caring heart, and always smiling. We are so very sorry that she was taken away at such a young age. While missing her is painful, we believe that she is in a happy place, and one day, you will see her again. We are wishing you the most comfort possible through this difficult time. Wish we could be there with you all. We will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Our love to you always, Rebecca, Britt & Dylan Carlstrom
Nancy Davis
January 22, 2014
I am so sorry for this incredible loss. My thoughts and prayers to your families. I pray for God's strength and mercy in the days ahead.
Ed & Bonnie Kelley
January 22, 2014
Always cheerful and always smiling! I will truly miss Mary Ellen and her time here at the office! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you!
Ralph Agnone
January 22, 2014
Mark-Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May peace be with you.
Greg Ford
January 22, 2014
Mark and Family. Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ryan Walters
January 22, 2014
Mark and Family,
Very sorry for your loss. Will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time in your life.
Best Always,
Glenn Clark
January 22, 2014
No matter how long we have someone to love, it is never long enough. I convey my sincere sorrow to you and your family.
Vicky Munger-Husler
January 22, 2014
Mark & Family
My heart goes out to all of you during this very difficult time. Mary Ellen was such a kind and wonderful person. It was a privlege knowing her. Please find comfort in your memories of her and in knowing just how much she loved you all. God Bless
Dennis Darling
January 22, 2014
Mark,
Very sorry for your loss, my thoughts and prayers will be with you.
DD
January 21, 2014
Mark,
Tracy and I are very sorry to hear about Mary Ellen. We really enjoyed getting to know you both while we were all at St Peters. Our children have great memories of being friends with Valerie and Johnny, including some fine baseball memories. Mary Ellen was a kind and wonderful person and I'm sure she is in a better place.
Sincerely,
Joe and Tracy Greaney
Kathy Price
January 21, 2014
Mary Ellen and I were great friends at Dunbarton College. She had such a vivacious, warm personality. Even after all of these years memories of Mary Ellen bring a smile.
I am so sorry for your loss.
Betsy Madero
January 21, 2014
I'll miss you, Red.
Rosie and Dan Waugh
January 21, 2014
Frankie, while I didn't know your sister, it is evident that she and you and your other sisters are all the most loving and caring people anyone could have as friends and family. Dan remembers your parents as wonderful folks, raising all of you in Woodmoor, and he has told me what kind people they were. God bless and watch over you during the difficult days ahead

Carol and Brian Moss
Carol Brennan and Brian Moss
January 21, 2014
I am so very sorry for the loss of Mary Ellen. She was my best friend all through college and dearest friend ever since. Although time and distance separated us, we had a special and deep friendship that doesn't end. She was our matron of honor at our wedding and we shared the excitement of having our children at much the same time. She always supported us through her wonderful letters. We will cherish her memory always until we meet again.
Brian and I wish you all the sweet comfort you need at this time and through the coming days. Much love to you all, Carol(Brennan) and Brian Moss
Molly Peters
January 21, 2014
Mark & Family,
So very sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time. Mary Ellen was a wonderful, fun-loving, and true friend for the 12 years we were classmates. I will cherish always the great memories of our times together.
Maureen Kleintop
January 21, 2014
Maryellen was my college roommate at Dunbarton College of the Holy Cross and a bridesmaid in our wedding. Chuck and I extend our deepest sympathy to Mark and his entire family for her loss. She was a very good friend and special person to many of us. Maureen and Chuck Kleintop
Hope Hallock
January 21, 2014
Frankie,
I am sorry that Mary Ellen was taken from your family so soon but I believe that you will be reunited with her someday. May God hold you in the palm of his hand during this very emotional time.
Hope Hallock
Lynn Collins
January 21, 2014
For over 30 years she and your family were my great neighbors and friends. We had a lot of great time especially when the children were younger. Always had that wonderful smile on her face, even the last time I visited her. I am thinking of you and the entire family, she was a wonderful person. So very sorry for your loss.
Maeve
January 21, 2014
You will be missed very much. I can remember so many car rides to and from school, pitching clinic, sports, sleep overs and numerous other things filled with either Valerie's jazz music for her dance or Christmas carols. I keep thinking about how many times I heard Sheryl crow soak up the sun, that country song what was I thinking and the chipmunks Christmas don't be late or something. You had a beautiful smile, always so cheerful fun to be around and always interested in how my family was. I am blessed and my family is very blessed to have been able to know you and your family. You will be missed very much until they will see you again. Dubinsky family all my love and prayers.
Brian Ligon Jr.
January 21, 2014
I am very sorry for your family's loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Maeve
January 21, 2014
Every memory I have of you is of you happy and smiling. All the car rides to and from school, pitching clinic, sleepovers and many other activities were always done to either Valerie's dance songs and Christmas carols with your tea. I really remember you liking Sheryl crow soak up the sun and that country song what was I thinking and hearing the chipmunks Christmas song a million times. You were the best so easy to talk to and always so excited to hear about my family. It is very sad that your family will have to wait to see you again. I see what I remember of your personality so much in Valerie and Johnny.. Beautiful Very happy cheerful welcoming and thoughtful. I am blessed to have known you and your family.
January 21, 2014
One of our most beautiful childhood friends from Girl Scouts, SBS, Holy Name, and on to our reunions! Everyone who knew her loved her. My thoughts and prayers are with Mark and family during this very sad time.
Dolores Hughes
Christine Hess
January 21, 2014
I will miss your warm hugs, unfailing support, and comforting smile, Aunt Tis. This family will never be the same without you. Love you.
Peggy Marks
January 21, 2014
Mary Ellen was such a terrific person.
Our prayers are with you and your family.
With deep sympathy
January 21, 2014
Our Heavenly Father knows that death causes us pain. He assures us that He will wipe out every tear from our eyes, and that one day soon death will be no more.
Brent and Mary Davis
January 21, 2014
For the times I was able to work with Mary Ellen, she was a great lady to be around. Christmas time was so much better for her thoughtfulness to send her fantastic fudge to everyone. It truly made the holidays so much better. Mary and I send our thoughts and prayers for you and the family.
January 21, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We will truly miss her. The Dempsey Family
Amanda
January 21, 2014
The pain of losing a loved one is something we never get use to. May God's spirit empower you with strength and courage as you face the coming days. My condolences to all.
Cathy Patterson
January 21, 2014
Frankie,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know how close you and Mary ellen were as sisters and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family at this difficult time.
Cathy Patterson
Ceil Hendrickson
January 21, 2014
Dear Mark & Family,
I will always look back on my talks with Mary Ellen during Prep baseball games, with the warmest of memories. Mary Ellen's honesty & sense of humor added a lot of laughter, as we watched innings that sometimes moved along slowly. I was so grateful to Mary Ellen for her support of Matt's ambitions, and sometimes crazy ideas. Her experiences as a Mom were also a source of support to me as I navigated raising our sons. Please count on our prayers for you & your remarkable family. Most Sincerely, Ceil Hendrickson
Jennie Kushlis Hendrickson
January 21, 2014
On behalf of the Kushlis and Hendrickson families, I want to say how sorry we are for the loss of Mrs. Dubinsky. We have fond memories of her and the rest of the Dubinsky family from our days at St. Peter's and Georgetown Prep, respectively. Please know that we're all thinking of you during this incredibly difficult time.
Christopher Miller & Lee Gilgour
January 21, 2014
During our Plebe Year, Mrs. Dubinsky was like a second mother to Lee and I. She did our laundry, served great chow (Dubinsky Crab Feasts), and treated us like family. Some of my best memories from USNA were in the Dubinsky basement. She was unconditionally kind but also strong willed and spirited. Lee and I were the “talkers” of our Plebe Year room, and Mrs. Dubinsky indulged us with great conversations about school, politics, and life. The Dubinskys are simply some of the best people we have ever met and that all starts with Mrs. Dubinsky. We both feel very blessed to have known her-she served a key role at a critical time in our lives and we are grateful. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all.
Regina Gearhart
January 21, 2014
Mark & family,
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts & prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
January 21, 2014
No one who knew her will ever forget her. Mary Ellen was one of a kind-funny, vivacious, thoughtful and a steadfast friend. She will be missed.
Marty Long
January 21, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Bob and Chris kellington
Frankie Engelking
January 21, 2014
How blessed I was to have a sister who loved unconditionally. I will miss her forever and will make it my mission to be more like her every day.
Dianne Jensen and Alexandra Marasa
January 21, 2014
Alexandra and I are so sorry to hear of Mary Ellen's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Showing 1 - 57 of 57 results
Funeral services provided by:
Francis J. Collins Funeral Home, Inc. - Silver Spring500 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD 20901

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more