Mary-Ellen Donnellan

Mary-Ellen Donnellan

Mary-Ellen Donnellan is now in heaven, living pain-free and reunited with her husband. She passed away on February 4, 2011 due to a lung disease attributed to her rheumatoid arthritis. She was born Mary-Ellen Anselmo on September 15, 1943 in New Britain, Connecticut.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Arlene Dabrusca; and her husband of 39 years, John "Jack" Donnellan.
Mom leaves behind her children, Karen Donnellan, Casey (Wiel) Penders and Steve (Kristin) Donnellan; and the two lights of her life, her grandchildren, Emma Penders and Sara Penders. In addition, she leaves behind her sisters, Paula Stimac and Nancy (Kevin) Searles, both of Connecticut; her aunt, Eleanor LaBier, of Connecticut; brothers, Michael Anselmo and Joe Anselmo, both of Florida; her best friend, Betty Mercier; and numerous cousins; nieces and nephews.
Mary-Ellen and Jack moved their family from Connecticut to Washington in 1979. It was a big move, worthy of a brave woman who could keep three kids in a station wagon entertained for hours on end, while using a paper map to direct her husband across the country.
She worked for Bank of Everett, which became Rainier Bank. She then began her career at Frontier Bank in 1983, from where she retired after almost 25 years of service in 2007.
Mary-Ellen was involved with various organizations throughout her life. As the mother of young children she was involved with the Junior Women's League. As a business woman, she became a member of Soroptimist International, a group devoted to the betterment of women everywhere. After her retirement, she became a volunteer at Providence hospital, working in the gift shop. She happily gave her time and money to those in need.
In the early 1980's she was involved with the March of Dimes, walking miles to raise money for research to prevent birth defects. In 2002 and 2003 she participated in the Avon Breast Cancer walk, traveling 60 miles by foot in three days, raising thousands of dollars along the way.
Mom loved to make things for others. She made quilts for new babies, caramel corn for her friends and family, and Christmas ornaments for relatives back East. She loved her life, her children and most especially, her grandchildren. They are truly blessed to have had such a fantastic grandma in their lives, even if only for five and six years. And, in fact, we are all blessed to have had mom in our lives. She was compassionate, loving, generous and kind to all who met her. She will be remembered for the amazing woman she was, the fierce way she protected her family and the special way you felt after spending time with her.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon, Tuesday, February 8 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Everett. A reception will immediately follow in the church hall.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the charity of your choice.