MaryEllen Dwyer

MaryEllen “Emme” Dwyer, 71, passed away peacefully on September 3, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona. A devoted daughter, beloved sister, cherished aunt, and loyal friend, MaryEllen’s life was marked by her unwavering dedication to family, faith, and service to others.

Born on June 27, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois, MaryEllen was the daughter of Donald and Helen (née O'Shea) Dwyer. She grew up in the western suburbs of Chicago and began her education at St. Domitilla Grade School in Hillside, graduating with the Class of 1968. She continued her studies at Immaculate Heart of Mary High School in Westchester, graduating in 1972. MaryEllen later attended Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa.

MaryEllen began her professional journey with the former Illinois Bell as a Directory Services Operator. Her intelligence and work ethic quickly earned her promotions—first to Assigner with the Number Services office in Wheaton, then to Supervisor - Number Services in Lombard. She later transitioned into Network Data Support with Ameritech in Chicago before ultimately being promoted to Manager - Network Database Administration with AT&T. Her career spanned decades of technological change and corporate evolution, yet she remained a steady and respected presence throughout.

After retiring from AT&T in Chicago, MaryEllen embraced a new chapter by relocating to Corona de Tucson, an unincorporated area southeast of Tucson. Never one to sit idle, she began a second career as a customer service representative with University of Arizona Health Services. When that system was absorbed by BannerHealth, she continued her work there for a total of 17 years before retiring once more—this time “for real.”

MaryEllen’s devotion extended far beyond the workplace. A devout Catholic throughout her life, she was a faithful parishioner at St. Rita of the Desert Parish in Vail, Arizona. She generously gave her time to various parish functions and organizations and lived out her vow to help others through both action and spirit.

Her compassion found further expression through charitable giving. In Chicago, she supported the Greater Chicago Food Depository; after moving to Arizona, she became a regular supporter of the Community Food Bank in Tucson. These acts reflected her deep empathy for those in need and her lifelong commitment to service.

MaryEllen’s greatest devotion was reserved for her family. Later in life, she became the primary caregiver for her parents during their final years—a role she embraced with grace and love. Most recently, MaryEllen was a caregiver to her nephew and once again showed her true compassion, dedication, and love of family. Her family remains forever grateful for the care and support she provided.

She is survived by her sister Kathleen (Glenn) Messmer of Alpine, AZ; brothers James (the late Marcia) Dwyer of Tucson, AZ; and David (Sharon) Dwyer of Marlborough, CT. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews: Matthew Messmer, Esq., of Tucson; Shea Dwyer and Robin Spofford of Clinton, NY; Katherine Dwyer and Trenee’ Fancher-Keller of Hobart, IN; Devin (Katarina) Dwyer of Pascagoula, RI; Michael Dwyer of Hammond, IN; Abbey (Zachary) Carey of Colchester, CT, and Madalyne Dwyer of Glastonbury, CT. MaryEllen also leaves behind her close friend, Mark Ott of Corona de Tucson, AZ. Her grand-nephew Wesley James Carey will grow up hearing stories about his great-aunt MaryEllen.

MaryEllen was predeceased by her grand-nephew Kameron Dwyer, a loss that MaryEllen felt deeply.

Those who knew MaryEllen will remember her as the epitome of strength wrapped in kindness—a woman who always put others first and offered help without hesitation. Her heart was open to all who needed comfort or support.

MaryEllen's final act of giving was to donate approximately 1-yard of skin to help a severely burned patient in the hospital. Her eyes were also harvested to help a patient to see.

May MaryEllen’s memory be a blessing to all who were fortunate enough to know her.